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Srinagar, Oct 30: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader MY Tarigami raised serious concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom in India, particularly in Jammu Kashmir, urging the government to safeguard the fourth pillar of democracy and ensure transparency through a fair media policy.
Speaking during a discussion in the Jammu Kashmir Assembly, Tarigami noted that India, once hailed as the world’s largest democracy, is witnessing a steady decline in press freedom, with the country’s ranking slipping to 166 in the Global Press Freedom Index.
In Jammu Kashmir, the condition is even worse. Any society where press freedom suffers gives rise to disruptive practices,” he remarked.
Tarigami said that four journalists continue to remain behind bars in the Union Territory, questioning why even an elected government has failed to establish a vibrant and independent media policy.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations remains as confused as it was before the elections. All institutions except security are now under the control of the elected government then why this confusion?” he questioned.
He further raised concerns over the non-issuance of government advertisements to media outlets.
Calling the media the cornerstone of democracy, Tarigami said the press must be free to report government activities to ensure transparency and accountability & we must protect press freedom, encourage the media, and review the media policy so that there is no discrimination in the allocation of government advertisements.
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