Srinagar, Oct 16, KNT: The Kashmir Valley has witnessed a disturbing trend of marginalization of journalists who call a spade a spade. Since the abrogation of Article 370, senior journalists have been systematically targeted and sidelined, while amateur journalists with questionable credentials have been promoted.
Journalists who speak truth to power have faced severe consequences, including ouster from government quarters, denial of accreditation passes, and exclusion from official events.
A senior journalist lamented, “For 20 years, I have been in this field, yet I have never been allowed to attend official functions, while unknown kids get invitations.”
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The Department of Information and Public Relations has adopted a pick-and-choose policy, targeting senior journalists without reason or rhyme. Even journalists working with foreign media houses have been deprived of accreditation passes.
This Reporter was surprised to find his name missing from the accreditation list. “When I sought reasons, an official feigned ignorance but added that every name in the list has come from the top.”
Most of the accredited journalists lost their accreditation due to unknown reasons better known to authorities.
This trend has led to a culture of self-censorship, where journalists hesitate to write against the ruling BJP, fearing reprisal. However, journalists assert that criticizing the BJP doesn’t make them anti-national. “BJP, like INC, is just a political party. Journalists have every right to report on them,” said a journalist.
The situation has been exacerbated by the emergence of new, unvetted journalists carrying microphone logos and running Facebook pages with questionable credibility. “These individuals have been groomed and encouraged by the establishment, while seasoned journalists are ignored.”
As Omar Abdullah takes oath as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, the exclusion of senior journalists from official events continues. This blatant favoritism undermines the principles of a free press and democratic values. [KNT]
