Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said free press is pivotal for any working democracy to keep people informed.
In his message on the International Press Freedom day, Farooq said that a free and vibrant press keeps people informed and imposes accountability.
“No society can think of harvesting the fruits of democracy without securing its press fraternity all the required freedom and dignity”, he said.
Farooq alleged that “the local press particularly in Kashmir is working under tremendous pressure.”
He said “The struggle by embattled journalists and the press fraternity of Kashmir to fight for the rights of the people is commendable.
I take this opportunity to salute the valour of our journalistic community, who notwithstanding curbs and persecution have been rendering their duties with dedication”, he said and added “I take this opportunity to pay my tributes to all those journalists who laid down their lives in the line of duty.”
Farooq said that freedom of the human mind is acknowledged in the right to free speech and free press. “However, it is imperative for the press fraternity to uphold the dignity associated with the profession at any cost,” he added.
