The incident of Humhama assault on Journalists while they were performing their professional duties during the scheduled press conference of Hurriyat Leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yaseen Malik at Hyderpora by the hands of Security agencies have proved that in Kashmir Security agencies are threat to security.
Without media, Democracy is meaningless and can not be flourished. At the same time attack on media person is a direct attack on Democracy. The role of media today is very important. On one hand, the media influences the policy makers by putting forth the opinions expressed by various groups including educationists, journalists, experts, leaders of different Political parties, religious leaders, workers and unions etc.
On the other, it pressurizes the policy makers to act with regard to people’s interest and demands. In this era of globalization, media has emerged as one of the most powerful components of social management. Common citizens have a great deal of exposure to the media in the realms of entertainment and culture, yet most do not understand how the media, politics and public policy interact with each other and thereby affect their lives.
The press or the media has emerged as the fourth most powerful institution of democracy as it has the potential to mould the public opinion and influence the public policy. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on December 18, 2008 announced the adoption of an emergency protocol for coverage of conflict situations.
It is said that telecast of news relating to armed conflict, internal disturbances, communal violence, public disorder and such other situations would be tested on the touchstone of ‘Public interest’.
However it didn’t define ‘Public interest’. The emergence of information technology and the convergence of various communication technologies have changed the nature of media. I strongly condemn assault on photojournalists and demand to take strong action against erring policemen , before it will be late and bring big bang results.
Media as the fourth pillar of Democracy have a paramount place and regard across globe but in troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir Media fraternity while putting their lives at risk to cover up the events and issues of prime public importance .
Injustice , Violence , assault , threat and abusive language against Journalists are repeatedly seen due to Lawlessness prevailing. Without media, Democracy is meaningless and can not be flourished. Meantime Attack on media person is a direct attack on Democracy.
Syed Karar Hashmi is a Social and RTI Activist , Presently Studying at Jamia Al Mustafa International University Qom Iran.
(This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own. Kashmir Patriot neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)
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