Qayoom Wani concerned over “harassment” of journalists Seeks withdrawal of charges under UAPA against Masrat Zehra

Srinagar, Apr 21 (PTK): Former EJAC President and Civil Society leader Qayoom Wani express his serious concern over the harassment of journalist’s and people affiliated with media in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued to PTK, Wani said that free, fair and professional journalism is the voice of voiceless people and needs to be encouraged at all levels.

“Harassment of journalist’s fraternity will have adverse effect on professional journalism,” he said.

He said that journalists in JK have worked in difficult situations by highlighting the miseries of people and always kept them up to date regarding the developments at state, national and international level.

Wani said that it’s unfortunate that when world is in the grip of COVID -19 and when we need to stand together to defeat COVID-19 and it looks very bad to see journalist’s in distress at this time when they are playing a commendable role by keeping the public aware about the safety measures and advisories of government to defeat the COVID 19 and are reaching out to the people in need by putting their lives at risk.

Former EJAC president demanded revocation of UAPA against the free Lancaster female photojournalist Masrat Zehra and showed solidarity with the journalist fraternity.

Wani advocated freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the country. (PTK)