Remembers slain editor Shujaat Bukhari
Srinagar: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Kashmir Journalists Association has demanded immediate release of incarcerated journalist Aasif Sultan so that journalists are allowed to work freely in Jammu and Kashmir which is essential for strengthening the democracy in the restive region.
Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, KJA said Aasif’s continuous imprisonments reflects growing threat journalists are facing in the region.
The issue of his arrest and jailing was highlighted by leading journalist and human rights bodies including IFJ, CPJ, RSF and Amnesty International. KJA would like to thank them for their support.
One Free Press Coalition recently declared his arrest among 10 Most Urgent threats to Press Freedom around the world. But it appears the J&K government is least concerned about the press freedom.
“Aasif, reporter with Kashmir Narrator, was arrested on ‘anti-state’ charges in August 2018. He has been repeatedly interrogated and asked to reveal sources by police, and has experienced health issues as he remains behind the bars,” the global organisation founded by dozens of news organizations, including TIME, said in its report.
Kashmir Journalists Association (KJA) said that the media fraternity of J&K has maintained the standards of the job despite working under difficult situation and tremendous pressure from various quarters. However, the curbs and censorship imposed by the government after February 14 Pulwama attack have further shrunk the space for journalists.
