Srinagar: CPI (M) legislator M Y Tarigami Thursday criticized the government for failing to ensure press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the “Information department remains confused” even after the formation of an elected government.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Tarigami said the graph of media freedom in India has been declining, with the situation in J&K particularly concerning.
“In J&K, press freedom has weakened, which promotes disruptive elements. Press freedom has no conflict with national interest. Weakening the press leads to a lack of transparency and accountability in governance,” he said, according to news agency KINS.
He expressed concern that four Kashmiri journalists continue to remain behind bars and accused the Information department of functioning without clarity.
“There is no change even after the formation of an elected government. Under the Reorganisation Act, the Information department comes under the elected government. Then why is there confusion? Files are pending and the government is unable to formulate an advertisement policy,” he said.
Tarigami further alleged that some prominent newspapers have been sidelined in the allocation of advertisements, a practice that continued from the previous LG-led administration.
He urged the government to safeguard journalists, ensure press freedom, and frame a transparent media policy. “Newspapers should get their genuine due share in advertisements,” he added. (KINS)
