Srinagar, May 22, KDC: Former Chief Minister and President People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehboboba Mufti expressed serious concern over the continuous suspension of government advertisements to local newspapers in Kashmir, calling it a direct threat to the existence of print journalism in the region.
Addressing the issue on Wednesday, Mufti said, “The suspension of government advertisements is not just a financial blow; this is an attack on freedom of the press.” He warned that the move has already threatened the delicate media scenario in the region and called for immediate government intervention.
Government advertisements make the backbone of revenue for print media outlets in Jammu and Kashmir, especially given the absence of a prosperous private sector. Sudden dissection has had a disastrous effect on the functioning of many publications, which reduce many publications, reduce the publishing frequency, or force them to be large and small equally.
“Our publications are struggling to survive, and with them, the sounds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti said. “Journalists, editors, printers and assistant employees are being pushed into financial crisis. It cannot be allowed to continue.”
The PDP president urged the government to work immediately. He said, “I appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take cognizance of this crisis and ensure that all imperialist newspapers without all discrimination restore advertisements,” he said.
Mufti also criticized the current media policy, alleging that a system of lack of selective advertising distribution in transparency has been created. He said, “More than two dozen newspapers have been denied advertisements, often without any clear justification. This policy has banned fear and self-sensuality,” he said.
Calling the policy to be discriminatory and politically inspired, he warned that such practices weaken the democratic taunts of the region. “The media in Jammu and Kashmir already works under immense pressure. Stopping advertising is a deliberate attempt to weaken the weak industry already. If we really give importance to democracy and press freedom, we should support and protect our media, not to strangle it.” (KDC)
