The Hindu : National : Editors Guild condemns raid on correspondent’s house

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Editors Guild condemns raid on correspondent’s house

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Editors Guild of India and the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) on Thursday expressed concern over reports about the Jammu & Kashmir police raiding the house of Shujaat Bukhari, the Srinagar-based correspondent of The Hindu.

The Guild, in its statement, noted that the raid on Mr. Bukhari’s residence in the guise of searching for wanted leaders was also aimed at looking for papers and documents which he would have gathered in the course of his journalistic work.

“This raid is a direct violation of the freedom of the press and the Guild demands that the authorities should stop such activities which violate the freedom of expression.”

In a separate statement, the DUJ noted with concern the manner in which newspapers in Kashmir have been forced to cease publication as authorities refused to issue curfew passes to reporters. Further, it pointed out that 12 reporters working for different newspapers were injured.

The union has also cautioned against polarisation of journalism on communal lines. Calling for restraint “in these dark times,” it urged journalist colleagues to guard themselves against attempts by vested interests to fan communal hatred through biased and explosive reports.

The DUJ has echoed the Guild’s view that the restrictions being imposed on the distribution and despatch of newspapers and magazines in the State could be counterproductive.

“We agree with the Guild that in the absence of fair news and diverse comments from the media, rumour, gossip and innuendo could take over.”

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