CM denounces negative portrayal of Kashmir in media

TNN Bureau. Updated: 7/22/2017 1:06:47 AM Front Page

Asks PCI to crack whip against section of media compromising on ethics


Srinagar: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today slammed a section of national media organisations for their “inappropriate reporting and negative portrayal of Kashmir.”
Interacting with a visiting team of Press Council of India, the Chief Minister said a section of country’s media has been indulging in debates, discussions and reportage about the state and its people, “most of which is far from reality.”
She said this section needs to be reminded that by resorting to this diatribe about the state, they are not doing any service to the country but alienating further people of the state.
Headed by SN Sinha, the Press Council of India (PCI) team comprised CK Nayak, and Dr Suman Gupta. The team has been on a weeklong tour of the state.
Mehbooba told the visiting delegation that need of the hour is to focus on commonalities, reconciliation and healing the wounds where country’s media has a very critical role to play.
She said positive reporting about the state and its people by the media outlets would not only create a soothing impact on the minds of people here, it would also help the people of rest of the country in understanding Jammu & Kashmir and its people better.
The CM invited the Press Council of India to hold part of its Golden jubilee celebrations in the State. She advised the visiting delegation to use their organisation in clearing misperceptions about the State in a section of the media, and consequently people, in the country.
During the interaction with the visiting delegation, the Chief Minister also complimented the state media for maintaining professionalism even during difficult times.
“Many of them lost their lives but did not compromise on the professional integrity,” she said.
The Chief Minister said many developmental projects have been started in the state by her government which on completion would change the social and economic profile of the state.
She regretted that had the tempo of peace initiatives and development of 2002 been kept intact after 2005 things would have been far better in the State today.
The visiting delegation assured the Chief Minister that the organisation would always be available for maintaining good Government-media relations and sorting out all the outstanding issues in this regard.
In the end, the Chief Minister asked country’s top media watchdog organizations to help in correct and contextual portrayal of the happenings in Jammu and Kashmir.
Director, Information Department, Muneer ul Islam was also present on the occasion.


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