Local newspapers failed to hit the stands on Sunday for the second consecutive day in curfew-bound Kashmir, after the government’s alleged “clampdown” on the media.
No local paper in English, Urdu or Kashmiri was available as the newspaper owners decided not to publish them after authorities allegedly raided some media houses and seized their printed copies on Saturday.
Jammu and Kashmir Police had allegedly raided the offices of at least two newspaper printing presses in Rangreth Industrial Estate in the outskirts of the city. Policemen had seized the plates of newspapers and printed copies and closed down the printing presses.
The journalists and publishers held protests against the clampdown and termed it an attack on the freedom of press.
A statement issued by the newspaper editors, printers and publishers of Kashmir said they strongly condemned the government’s action.
When the journalists contacted a government spokesperson during the meeting, he conveyed to them that in view of apprehensions of serious trouble in Kashmir Valley aimed at subverting peace in next three days, strict curfew will be imposed and movement of newspaper staff and distribution of newspapers will not be possible, said the statement.
It also said the meeting strongly condemned the action which was not only “reprehensible but also against the norms of a democratic set-up”.
Meanwhile, cable TV services were restored in the Valley on Saturday night after remaining suspended for about 24 hours. However, in some areas of the city, Pakistani channels were not being aired.
Authorities have officially confirmed that newspaper owners were asked not to publish newspapers till 19 July.
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has protested the alleged “clampdown” on the media in Kashmir Valley and demanded that it be allowed to function unhindered.
The Editors Guild of India on Monday condemned the Jammu and Kashmir government for “unwarranted muzzling” of media in the state and termed the attempts “to shoot the messenger” as being “unfortunate”.
Curfew Continues for the 11th day in Kashmir
Officially imposed curfew and a shutdown called by separatists paralysed normal life for the 11th consecutive day in the Valley on Monday.
An almost two-week-long cycle of violence has left 40 protesters and two policemen dead in Kashmir.
All mobile phone services including Internet and call facilities have been snapped across the Valley.
Limited call facility continued on post-paid cell phones provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
All schools, colleges and universities have been closed till 24 July. All job interviews by the state Public Service Commission (PSC) have also been postponed.
Closure of the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for over a week has caused a shortage of essential items in the Valley.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)