Media ‘absolutely free’ in J&K: claims LT Governor

Journalists arrested amidst the G20 meeting held in J&K, Governor answers with reasons.

After the orders made by the CPJ to release the Kashmiri journalists, Lieutenant Governor of Kashmir states “media here is free and active”

Questions have been raised, in both national and international levels, concerning the arrests of journalists amidst the G20 meeting held at Jammu and Kashmir. Answering this, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, stated that the media here in J&K is ‘absolutely free’. 

On Monday, the desk of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in Asia questioned the governor of J&K regarding the arrests of the journalists and ordered an end to the ‘brutal crackdown of media’ as described by them. Further the committee has asked for the release of four unreasonably confined journalists.

Amidst the G20 tourism meeting held in Srinagar came the remarks of CPJ Asia. Since the ease of article 370 and its bifurcation into union territories, this is the first international event which is being hosted in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 60 delegates arrived and participated on Monday.

The CPJ has ordered the release of four journalists who were detained under controversial anti-terror and preventive detention law, namely Aasif Sultan, Irfan Mehraj, Fahad Shah and Sajad Gul.

The governor of J&K gives and explanation:

The governor, apropos of the arrests, claimed that it was on charges of terrorism and disturbing social harmony according to a report of an international organisation. It was not for their reporting and around the world the estimate can be 10-20 times more, said Sinha to the reporters during an event at Raj Bhavan.

Adding to this he said that under article 370 of the constitution,  the age-old identity of Jammu and Kashmir was ended and was bifurcated into 2 Union Territories in 2019. Since then the land has lived through numerous transformations.

Jammu and Kashmir in today’s time is a place of peace and prosperity, not a land of hartals or stone throwers. The responsible government is working its best to bring these outcomes into the routine of people. Indian constitution which establishes the order of law affirmed the primacy of the people and the government regulates J&K, asserted Mr. Sinha.

As said by the governor, Srinagar is hosting an international event of such a great significance for the first time. Excluding few restrictions on traffic along the Boulevard road leading to the G20’s meeting venue, SKICC, the city remains largely open. The governor attended the third working group meeting of G20 on tourism. He also added that India has come a long way with the G20 being a subject of dignity. 

Jammu and Kashmir can organise any international level events, highlights Mr. Sinha, and G20 is a proof of the same. “ Any international events can’t be hosted by us and if there are any flaws they’ve been passed on. We have accelerated up, however it requires time to make up for the divide left by 70 years” remarked Sinha.

The J&K Governor speaks about ‘state-sponsored terrorism’:

Addressing the inaugural session of the third G20 tourism working group meeting, yesterday, Mr. Sinha expressed the challenge of state-sponsored terrorism encountered by Jammu and Kashmir. This land of peaceful coexistence is suffering the complications of state-sponsored terrorism implemented by our neighbouring country

With the development schemes that help masses and maintain administration, PM Modi disconnected the violent ecosystem, elaborated Mr. Sinha on the solutions taken by Prime Minister Modi. He added that a new era with possibilities of opportunities and peace can be experienced by J&K without any limits. 

Also known as the crown Jewel of India since ages, Jammu and Kashmir must take immense pride to host such an event of great magnitude, said the governor. Moreover, the Union Territory will very soon make its place into the top 50 destinations in the world. “It will be found in the bucket list of global travellers” claimed Sinha.