A spokesperson of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry today condemned the harrassment of journalists in Kashmir and expressed solidarity with the fraternity.
The filing of a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against 26 year old photojournalist Masrat Zahra for uploading posts regarding her previously published works is a direct interference in the independence of the media. Masrat Zahra is an acclaimed young journalist whose works have featured in leading international newspapers and channels.
Earlier also, there have been several instances of journalists being summoned to Police Stations and questioned on flimsy grounds.
Freedom of expression is a universal human right and moreso when such freedom is critical one’s professional duties. The local press needs the freedom to circulate opinions without any unwarranted censorship by the Government.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry appeals for the immediate withdrawal of the case filed against Masrat Zahra and urges the Government to work towards creating an environment which encourages a free exchange of thoughts, views and opinions which is the indispensable quality of a democracy.
For: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry
