There is little that parties in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir are offering for journalists despite increased challenges to press freedom over the last five years in the erstwhile state.
Two major regional parties, the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, have mentioned journalists in their manifestos so far.
The National Conference’s 40-page manifesto has just one line for journalists, that they “recognise the challenges” faced by journalists regarding accreditation and are “committed” to addressing them “effectively”.
The PDP, on the other hand, has “vowed to prioritise press freedom, restore the autonomy and dignity of the press club, and address the issue of selective curtailment of advertisements to newspapers”.
However, journalists who spoke to Newslaundry saw these promises as “hollow” and said these would make little difference to their profession.
A restoration on the cards?
According to a Newslaundry analysis based on media reports, at least 29 journalists have faced official action over the last five years in J&K. These include four booked under the UAPA, three detained under the Public Safety Act, six booked over social media posts, eight detained and questioned by the police for their work, nine summoned and questioned by the police without any FIR, and seven whose homes were searched by central agencies.
This story was originally published in newslaundry.com. Read the full story here.
