The government is concerned over the emergent law and order situation and safety of media persons which has arisen due to the unpleasant turn of events involving two rival warring groups using the banner of Kashmir Press Club.
The rival groups have come to loggerheads at a time when the Kashmir Press Club had ceased to exist as a registered body under the Central Societies of Registration Act and the term of its managing body had also ended on July 14, 2021. The issue of re-registration is being looked into.
An intervention has become imperative in view of social media and other reports pointing towards likelihood of breach of peace and imminent threat to life of journalists, including from cross border secessionist-terrorist networks in some cases. The government is of the view that the situation can worsen and has potential security dimensions as is borne out by intelligence inputs and past history of Pakistani supported terrorists using such situations to their advantage.
The government is committed to a free and fair press and believes that journalists are entitled to all facilities, including a place for professional, educational, social, cultural, recreational and welfare activities. However, in view of the unpleasant developments, it has decided to intervene taking note of various representations and reports.
Now, therefore, it has been decided that the control of land and building allotted to the Kashmir Press Club for the welfare and benefit of journalists be retained by the Estate Department for the moment. Information Department will ensure bonafide journalists continue to avail the ongoing facilities.
