ibn sultan
Baramulla, Oct 14:The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the shocking act of barring journalists from covering Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s event at Dak Banglow Baramulla. The arbitrary decision to keep the media out exposes the deep insecurity and fear of public accountability within the National Conference (NC) government, said PDP senior leader and District President Baramulla, Mohd Rafique Rather.
Rafique Rather, quoting media persons present at the venue, said that security personnel stationed at the main gate informed them that they had “clear instructions from the Chief Minister” not to allow any media coverage. This, despite prior invitations from the Information Department, is a blatant insult to the media fraternity, he added.
Rather said that by locking out the media, the Chief Minister has attempted to hide from uncomfortable questions and deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their constitutional right to know. “The press is the fourth pillar of democracy, and silencing it reflects a mindset of fear and authoritarianism,” he added.
He further said this was not an administrative lapse but a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny at a time when serious questions are being raised about the NC’s alleged understanding with the BJP to deprive Congress of a Rajya Sabha seat, the growing rebellion within the NC, with senior leader Aga Ruhulla publicly denouncing party policies, and the administrative failure that has crippled governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
“If Omar Abdullah truly came to listen to public grievances, he should have had the courage to face the media and answer the people’s questions,” Rather said, adding that the NC once again stands exposed for its deception, manipulation, and betrayal of public trust.
Rafique Rather reaffirmed that the PDP stands firmly with the journalist fraternity of Baramulla and across Jammu and Kashmir in defending the right to report freely and fearlessly.
