Srinagar: In his first media interaction since taking office, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah discussed various topics related to the media and expressed his desire to see a fair and free media operate with transparency.
Addressing media at SKICC Srinagar, Omar said, “My wish would be to see a free and open media, without any pressures, bias, or restrictions. This interaction is a step in that direction, where you are not given a list of what you can or cannot ask.”
Asked about the state of media in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009, when he was CM, compared to the present, Omar said he had learned a lot from his past experience of not being available to the media.
“One of the lessons from my last term was not having enough interaction with the media, and I will work on improving that. Twice a year, press conferences like this, without any agenda, will help in creating a more open environment,” he said.
On the topic of advertisement rates, Omar assured that the issue would be addressed. He also responded to a question about the discrepancy in advertisement rates between print and electronic media. “Ad rates will be dealt with, and the Director of Information will take care of it,” he said.
When asked about the differences between his leadership in 2009 and now in 2024, Omar responded with a touch of humour, saying, “My hair has turned grey, and I’m heading towards old age.”
Omar said: “Once my term is over, you can judge me based on my actions.”
He further added that one noticeable difference was his recent response to the snowfall situation. “The way I responded this time, coordinating with all Deputy Commissioners and gathering feedback from MLAs across different parties, is something I wouldn’t have done in 2009.”
Addressing concerns about the growing number of journalists in Kashmir, some of whom are deemed not credible, Omar said, “I don’t want to be labelled as anti-media. While I can’t cut down on the numbers, we want you restore the Press Club, conduct elections, and ensure that there is proper representation from your side.”
In response to questions about the detention of journalists Majid Hyderi and Irfan Mehraj, Omar assured, “We will look into that matter.”
Freelance journalist Irfan Mehraj, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2023 in an alleged NGO terror funding case.
Majid Hyderi, was arrested on September 15, 2023 based on allegations of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, extortion, giving false information, and defamation.
Omar’s media engagement marked a step towards greater openness and transparency, signalling his intent to develop better relations between the government and the press.
