Editors condemn 'undeclared censorship' on press in Kashmir

The All India Newspaper Editor's Conference (AINEC) has condemned the "undeclared censorship" on press in the Kashmir Valley.

The apex body of editors in a resolution passed on Wednesday, criticised the ruling PDP-BJP alliance in the valley, and added that the ban on publications and raids on the newspaper offices and printing presses is a direct attack on the freedom of the press.

"This new method, of undeclared censorship adopted by the PDP-BJP government has set a new precedent of censorship, and it is totally unacceptable," AINEC said here. It urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to refrain from restrictive and undemocratic methods to gag the press in the Kashmir Valley.

"The newspapers, whether they are in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat or Tamil Nadu, or any other state, must be allowed to carry out their duty to the readers, freely and fairly. No government in the Centre or states can preserve democratic traditions of our great country without supporting the freedom of the press, in spirit and reality," said Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, president, AIENC.

--IANS

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