World Press Freedom Day: J&K Government lifts ban on carrying gadgets to official functions for Journalists

Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, May 02 (KNB): Ahead of World Press Freedom Day being observed on 3 May, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday revoked ban on carrying gadgets to official functions for media.
According to the Joint Director Information and Public Relation Sajid Yehya Naqash, vide order No: 151-53/2018, dated 02-05-2018 which lies with Kashmir News Bureau (KNB): “various representations from media fraternity were pouring in for seeking redressal of problems of not allowing them to take phones/electronic gadgets etc with them whenever they are needed to attend meetings /government functions etc.



It has accordingly been found expedient that all the registered media houses/persons shall be allowed to carry their phones or electronic gadgets to the venues where the meetings/ government functions are likely to be convened expect in case of any extraordinary situation that, for security and other unavoidable reasons may not be admissible/ allowed,” read the order issued by government.
Earlier, July last year, the journalists during special session called on the GST implementation in the state were informed by Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council and Assembly not to carry cameras and mobile phones inside forcing media-persons to boycott the proceedings. However, the order was later revoked.
This important development to lift the ban on carrying gadgets and accessories to government functions for media men comes a day before World Press Day is observed globally on May 03 to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (KNB)