Press Club of Jammu condemns selective media access to Civil Secretariat
The organisation stated that restricting journalists from covering the annual Darbar Move opening ceremony is an infringement of press freedom.
The Press Club of Jammu has expressed concern over restrictions placed on media coverage of the annual Darbar Move opening ceremony in Jammu, according to the Daily Excelsior.
Press Club of Jammu President Sanjeev Pargal said that authorities are using a selective approach to decide which journalists can enter the Civil Secretariat.
Pargal stated that for decades, media personnel have been permitted inside the Civil Secretariat to cover proceedings where the Chief Minister salutes the Jammu and Kashmir Police contingent.
He described the current policy as undemocratic and noted that it is the first time in history that only certain media representatives have been granted entry.
The President added that the ceremony is an opportunity for the government to communicate its achievements and priorities to the public through the media.
The Press Club of Jammu will soon hold a meeting with working journalists and media organisations to decide on a future course of action.