KASHMIR: Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly member Waheed Para on Thursday launched an attack on the government, accusing it of promoting discrimination in media advertisement distribution and creating an atmosphere of fear through arbitrary employee terminations.
Speaking in the Assembly, Para alleged that the administration had been following a “selective and biased” media policy since 2019, which excluded several leading newspapers and online platforms from the official advertisement list. “Greater Kashmir, which has the largest circulation in Jammu Kashmir, along with Kashmir Life and Kashmir Times, has been denied government advertisements. Even many Urdu and Kashmiri publications have been left out,” he said, also referring to the banning of The Kashmir Walla.
He accused the government of favouring select media outlets while sidelining others, describing it as a serious blow to press freedom and journalistic fairness. “Advertisements worth millions are being issued to a few chosen platforms while independent voices are silenced,” Para stated.
The legislator further pointed out that numerous journalists were still awaiting accreditation, and digital media outlets with significant public engagement were being ignored. He reminded the House that the Chief Minister also holds the Information portfolio, adding that despite repeated assurances in the budget and election manifesto, a new media policy had yet to be introduced.
Turning to employee issues, Para expressed concern over the recent termination of two government workers, calling the move unjustified and fear-inducing. “Such actions, taken in the name of countering terrorism, have spread anxiety among employees,” he remarked.
He urged the government to end selective practices, protect press freedom, and frame a transparent, inclusive media policy ensuring equal opportunities for all media organisations.
