Pakistan condemns Indian repression of media, journalists in
IoJ&K
ISLAMABAD: On World Press Freedom Day, Pakistan condemns India over repression
of media and harassment of journalists in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir
(IoJ&K).
On World Press Freedom Day, we express solidarity with the journalist
fraternity in the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IoJ&K), which
continues to face a relentless campaign of harassment and intimidation. While
saluting their exceptional courage, we also honour the sacrifice of those
Kashmiri journalists who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The
latest among those martyrs was Shujaat Bukhari in June 2018.
It is commendable that Kashmiri journalists continue to work with conviction
and professionalism, despite the heavy handedness of Indian forces acting with
impunity under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA), Armed Forces Special
Powers Act (AFSPA), and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Global media watchdogs, Indian and international human rights groups, and civil
society organizations have expressed deep concerns over unprecedented
restrictions imposed on the media, the widespread intimidation of Kashmiri
journalists, and the precarious state of their work environment.
It is clear that the RSS-inspired BJP Government is motivated by the sole
objective of hiding its blatant human rights violations in IOJ&K and is
bent on muzzling independent voices of the media and journalists. The situation
has become more alarming after India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5
August 2019.
Pakistan condemns this Indian campaign of harassment and intimidation and calls
upon India to immediately lift all communication restrictions in IOJ&K;
withdraw frivolous cases filed against Kashmiri journalists; and restore all fundamental
freedoms of the Kashmiri people.
Newspaper: Business Recorder
