Srinagar: Kashmir Journalists Association (KJA) on Wednesday held a protest rally in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar in solidarity with journalist Asif Sultan.
KJA members gathered at the press enclave on Wednesday afternoon and held a sit-in and later marched to Abi Guzar to press for the immediate release of Sultan, currently lodged in central jail Srinagar.
The journalists’ body said international journalist and human rights bodies such as IFJ, CPJ, RSF and Amnesty International have already expressed their concern over deteriorating press freedom in the region.
Instead of respecting us for working in difficult conditions, the government has started raising questions on our work.
“Police authorities have been asking editors/reporters to explain their stories and the motive thereof. We appeal governor Satya Pal Malik as well as home minister Rajnath Singh to intervene and stop this harassment against journalist community in the valley,” said a KJA spokesperson.
KJA said two journalists have been beaten up in north Kashmir yesterday while performing their professional duties.
KJA asked Advisor to Governor K Vijay Kumar and DGP Dilbagh Singh should take note of the incident and those responsible should be dealt according to law.
“Not acting against them will reflect that the government intentionally is trying to curb press freedom in Kashmir,” he said.