‘Where Was the Association Then?’: KNT Criticizes JKAJA’s Selective Stand on Fake Journalist Issue

Srinagar, Nov 4, KNT: While the Jammu and Kashmir Accredited Journalists Association (JKAJA) has welcomed the government’s decision to curb the misuse of media identity cards, news agency Kashmir News Trust has sharply questioned the association’s silence during earlier episodes when accredited journalists were allegedly stripped of their cards and senior reporters faced humiliation.

In a strongly worded response, the news agency said that although the latest circular from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to identify unverified individuals is a step in the right direction, the JKAJA’s endorsement of it appears selective and self-serving.

“This association must answer where it was when genuine, accredited journalists were snatched of their cards without any justification.. Nobody is a fake journalist. Every journalist represents society, not the corridors of power. Ironically, those who challenge the establishment are being branded as fake while those close to power centres are rewarded with accreditation.”

The news agency added that the association’s recent enthusiasm contrasts with its earlier inaction when senior working journalists were humiliated or sidelined. “Accreditation cards were given to individuals with no substantial field record but with political proximity or payroll ties, while genuine reporters were deprived of their identity and recognition,” the agency alleged.

The news agency also pointed out that many senior journalists today are “seeing eye to eye with the establishment,” compromising the independence and critical spirit that define the media’s role in a democracy. “Those who dare to highlight real stories, ground grievances and public pain are conveniently branded as fake journalists.”

The news agency urged the association to revisit its role, demanding that it question the authorities on the arbitrary withdrawal of accreditation from genuine reporters and ensure that future processes are transparent and fair. [KNT]