S. A Haidri
Muzaffarabad:(Parliament Times) A rally was staged from Muzaffarabad to Line of Control (LOC) against the blockage of newspapers and media in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) under the aegis of Central Union of Journalists (CUJ).
President CUJ Azad Jammu and Kashmir Zafeer Baba, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist Afzal Butt, Rana Azeem, Secretary General CUJ Hakeem Kashmiri, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali, Ex President Ibrar Haider, Abid Khursheed, Amjad Chaudhary and many other representatives of different union of journalists across Pakistan were also present on the occasion to express their solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
Journalists in the protest were holding banners and placards against blockage of newspapers, some of them have tied black ribbons on their mouth demonstrated forceful restrictions on Journalists in IOK.
The main banner stated that “Hum Apki Awaz Hai, Izhar-e-Yakjehti March (We are your voice, Solidarity March)” and protestors expressed their solidarity with the journalists based in IOK.
Speaking on the occasion, President CUJ Zafeer Baba said that newspapers and all media outlets are restricted in IOK,” democratic countries do not impose such restrictions on press, how can India call herself democratic by committing such acts” Zafeer Baba maintained.
President PFUJ Afzal Butt on the occasion said that Indian government do not permits the publication of newspapers in IOK.
He demanded that international press freedom organizations must take stern notice on such deteriorating situation in IOK, “democracy is connected to Press freedom” Butt added.
District administration Jehlum Valley stopped rally at Chinari Bazar where protestors resist to reach LOC while chanting slogans that they want to help their brethren in IOK.
Journalists also appealed to philanthropic organizations for the provision of food and medicines in IOK as the masses are suffering shortage of food and basic facilities.
