"Former CM Urges Omar Abdullah to Intervene as Journalists Face Challenges in Operating Freely Under New Regime'.
Over three months into the tenure of the new government, the functioning of the press remains mired in controversy. Former Chief Minister and President of the PDP, Mehbooba Mufti, took to Twitter to express her concerns over the government's alleged control over media operations.
In her tweet, Mufti criticized the information department for continuing to withhold advertisements from most news outlets, a crucial source of revenue for media organizations. She also highlighted the prolonged delays in accreditation renewals for senior journalists, raising concerns about the broader implications for press freedom in the region.
“This unwarranted withholding of advertisements and delayed accreditations stifles the independence of the press, undermining democratic values,” Mufti wrote.
Calling for immediate action, she urged her political counterpart, Omar Abdullah, to intervene and address these pressing issues. “The media must be allowed to operate freely and without undue influence,” she emphasized.
The issue has sparked a broader debate on the role of governments in ensuring an independent press and whether economic pressures are being used to silence dissenting voices. As journalists await clarity and resolution, the spotlight remains on the government’s approach toward the fourth pillar of democracy.
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