New Delhi/ Srinagar: The ban on Srinagar-based English daily Kashmir Reader is being widely condemned on Tuesday by several quarters. PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has stopped the printing and publication of Kashmir Reader on Sunday saying it incites violence as the state has been witnessing mass uprising since the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. The Mahbooba Mufti government’s latest move to gag the press stems from its failure to contain the ongoing civil strife in Kashmir Valley and it reflects government’s desperation.
Human rights watchdog, the Amnesty International India has termed the action as a setback to free speech. It demanded that the state government must revoke the order of banning the publication.
The order passed by the District Magistrate of Srinagar and served to the publication on 2 October, states that the newspaper “contains such material and content which tends to incite acts of violence and disturb public peace and tranquillity”.
The newspaper has extensively covered the violence in Kashmir in recent months, and reports of human rights violations by security forces. The Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) has described the ban as “against the spirit of democracy and freedom of press”.
“The District Magistrate’s order does not specifically mention any news items in Kashmir Reader that incited violence,” said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. “This vaguely-worded shutdown order suggests that the newspaper is being targeted for its reporting.”
“The media plays a crucial role in reporting human rights abuses. The government has a duty to respect the freedom of the press, and the right of people to receive information. It cannot shut down a newspaper simply for being critical of the government.”
Under international human rights law, any restrictions on the right to freedom of expression on the ground of public order must be demonstrably necessary and proportionate.
The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – to which India is a state party –, has said: “The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion.”
In July, the state government shut down the publication of local newspapers in Kashmir for three days on vague grounds.
Meanwhile, pro-India politician and Kashmir MLA, Er Rasheed has warned the Mahbooba government of dire consequences if the ban is not revoked without any condition.
In a statement, Er Rasheed said, “On one hand some so called national TV channels have been given a free hand to defame and hurt the sentiments of Kashmiris but on the other hand any credible voice in J&K is being curbed with draconian laws. Like other rulers, CM Mahbooba Mufti has been making frequent sermons in and outside Assembly to make fourth pillar democracy credible and strong, but in practice is following the footprints of Omar Abdullah, who buried the local TV channels in 2010.
He said the government is providing all facilities to media industry in Jammu but has been cruel and brutal towards Kashmir based print and electronic media. However, these dirty tricks will yield nothing except bringing bad name to the government and truth will prevail in the long run under all circumstances.” Er Rasheed said.