• Source:JND

Kulgam MLA and CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami expressed serious concern on Wednesday regarding reported restrictions on several prominent media organisations in Kashmir. These concerns follow the alleged removal of social media pages belonging to various news outlets.

The veteran leader noted that these platforms were reportedly taken down following their coverage of widespread protests across Jammu and Kashmir. These demonstrations were held to condemn the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Tarigami emphasised that it is the professional duty of media houses to report on-ground realities and public sentiment.

"Censorship Is Not The Solution"

Tarigami argued that professional media outlets are essential for providing verified information, particularly during sensitive times.

"If authorities had objections to specific reports, they could have sought clarifications or pursued legal channels. Arbitrarily blocking established media platforms is neither a justifiable nor a democratic approach," he stated.

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He further noted that suppressing recognised news outlets does not necessarily stop the flow of information; instead, it creates a vacuum that unverified sources often fill with misleading content. He reminded the administration that the freedom of the press is a fundamental right protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

FIRs Against Lawmakers

The CPI(M) leader also highlighted the filing of FIRs against Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and other political figures. He urged the government to ensure that dissenting voices are not silenced and that the constitutional right to peaceful expression is upheld.

Key Details of the Legal Action:

Individuals Charged: National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu.

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Allegations: Srinagar Police filed cases on Tuesday for allegedly spreading "false, fabricated, and provocative content" on digital platforms.

Official Stance: Authorities claim the social media posts were intended to incite fear, disrupt public order, and encourage unlawful activities.

Tarigami concluded by appealing to the government to restore the blocked media pages immediately to ensure the transparency and flow of authentic news in the region.

 


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