The Editors Guild of India on Saturday, 10 August, expressed deep concern over the continued shutdown in communication links in the Kashmir Valley and the alleged curtailment of the media’s freedom.
“While some visiting journalists may be able to file their reports once they are out of the Valley, the lockdown is almost total and draconian for the vibrant local media that are the first eyes and ears on the ground,” said the Guild in a statement.
“It (the government) owes it to the people of India, including all in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, to allow the press, a vital institution of democracy, to function freely,” the statement said.