Journalists on Saturday staged a protest against what they termed as “utter mismanagement” by the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) authorities, after being denied entry to an official function at the SKICC despite having been formally invited.
The event, presided over by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was expected to feature major announcements concerning the healthcare sector. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when members of the press, carrying official invitations from SKIMS management, were stopped at the gate and refused entry.
Calling the incident a “humiliating experience,” the aggrieved journalists walked out of the venue in protest, accusing the SKIMS management of “complete lack of coordination and professionalism.”
“This is a new way of humiliating journalists — inviting them and then denying entry when they come to do their job,” said one journalist outside the SKICC.
The protesters said this was not an isolated case, citing similar instances at previous SKIMS events.
“It has become a pattern now. Even after being invited, journalists are made to feel unwelcome and disrespected,” said a senior reporter.
The protesting journalists said such actions have damaged the image of SKIMS, a premier medical institution in Jammu and Kashmir. They urged the government to take note of the incident and ensure that the dignity and professional role of the media are respected at all official functions.
They also appealed to media associations to formally raise the issue with the administration, emphasizing that press freedom and proper coordination with the media are essential for transparent governance.(JKNS)
