IIOJK political leadership denounces curbs on Kashmir media, social media
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, political leaders across party lines have strongly condemned the restriction on Kashmir-based media organizations, terming the move unjustifiable and a direct assault on press freedom.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti questioned the timing of the media restrictions, saying that at a moment when people were expressing grief and solidarity with Iran, the Modi government’s decision to censor media platforms was deeply disturbing.
She called for the immediate reversal of the curbs and stressed the need to uphold press freedom and democratic rights. She further urged social media platforms not to suppress freedom of expression or silence the voices of the people under any pressure.
Her party, PDP, in a statement, strongly condemned the censoring of the media outlets’ social media handles, stating that restricting lawful reporting during critical times only deepens mistrust and weakens democratic values. The party said silencing the press is not a solution but a step backward and called upon the authorities to immediately reconsider the decision and reaffirm their commitment to protecting media independence.
Sajjad Ghani Lone also expressed serious concern over the blocking of Facebook and Instagram handles of leading newspapers and news portals, including Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life, and Rising Kashmir. He stated that these are responsible and mature institutions whose absence would create a vacuum in credible journalism. He warned that space vacated by established media outlets could be filled by unknown entities, further harming the cause of free and responsible media, and urged the authorities to immediately unblock the accounts.
National Conference spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar, described the move as deplorable and unjustifiable. He demanded immediate restoration of the restricted accounts to ensure public access to responsible reportage and to prevent the spread of misinformation.
