Conflict journalism and Kashmir

For journalists in conflict areas, occupational hazards are not only lucid but also proliferating. Some dangerous trends have stealthily advanced the mainstream causing panic and feelings of insecurity among working journalists. These trends have a universal appeal and have been observed in most of the conflict areas including the state of Jammu and Kashmir. New York Times published a thorough report last November, describing targeting of journalists in the cover or war and national security. The report underscored the perceived threat of journalists digging in murky and being targeted by state authorities, drug lords and gangsters.

The challenges, whether stationed in the volatile Middle East, in Africa, in Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar or Kashmir Valley, are unequivocal. At times of unrest, political instability and eruption of violence in the state, the attitude of authorities marks a complete 360 degrees shift. On top of it many reporters are thrashed and harassed for no reason. At grassroots, it is the reporter who eventually pays the price, but the impact is felt by the entire spectrum of working journalists. There have been scores of events in the last decade only when reporters and photojournalists ended up in hospitals after receiving police beating. After such incidents, photojournalists particularly, are reluctant to join the field fearing both personal safety risks and damage to equipment. Primary concern remains to be the proper access to events in the field. On ground, the two actors representing third and fourth estate of a modern democratic state often confront each other, mainly due to the absence of protocols and standard procedures. 

The non-indulgent attitude of the state authorities from ranking superiors to cops on duty has not only shrouded the Valley in “iron curtains” but also inflicted and spited the journalist fraternity. There is no explanation that would justify impeding of free and fair reporting of realities with nonpartisan approach. A journalist on duty and obliged by both an oath to safeguard public interest and professional responsibility is as much important as a policeman standing on guard to maintain law and order. Clashes in line of duties can be to some extent justified by extreme cases when journalists switch to activism. However, on duty or while reporting, cases of activism have never been reported and are nonexistent. It is time to stop the gradual erosion of freedom of press and fair practices. There is a need for a formal charter of rights that is approved and respected by all state institutions.
Source: www.risingkashmir.in