Srinagar, Mar 04: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, on Wednesday expressed concern over what he described as restrictions on established media organisations in Kashmir, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir and Kashmir Life, after their social media pages were reportedly taken down.
Tarigami termed the development unfortunate and urged the government to restore the pages at the earliest, asserting that freedom of the press is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
He said that credible and professionally run media outlets play an important role in disseminating verified information, particularly during sensitive situations. He said that if there were objections to any particular report, the authorities could have sought clarification or invoked lawful remedies. Curtailing the platforms of established media outlets, he added, is neither a constructive approach nor in keeping with democratic practice.
Referring to reports that the pages were taken down following coverage of protests, he said it is the duty of media organisations to report the ground situation. Restricting established news platforms, he said, does not necessarily curb misinformation and may instead create space for unverified sources to circulate misleading content.
The CPI(M) leader also expressed concern over the registration of FIRs against MP Ruhullah Mehdi and others, urging authorities to ensure that dissenting voices are not curtailed and that lawful and peaceful expression is respected in line with constitutional guarantees.
