No celebrations on WPF day, JKPA remembers journalists who succumbed to Covid
Srinagar, May 3: In view of Covid-19 pandemic, no function was on Monday organized on the World Press Freedom (WPF) day though Jammu and Kashmir Press Association (JKPA) paid tributes to mediapersons who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty this year worldwide.
A spokesman for the JKPA said due to surge in the corona virus positive cases in the valley, no function was organized.
However, he said, the executive members of the JKPA held an emergency meeting, chaired by G H Kaloo, to pay homage to mediapersons, who sacrificed their lives in the Line of their professional obligations this year worldwide.
The members prayed for their eternal peace and resolved to carry forward their commitment to the journalism in future.
Mr Kalo said that it was on the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference that led to the proclamation at the UN General Assembly in 1993 that the World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 every year globally.
The Theme for the year 2021 has been chosen as, "Information as a Public Good". As a matter of fact, the theme for the year is significant for the Press, which deals with information on worldwide events and uses it effectively and disseminating the same to the world community while empowering Media.
The Day serves as an occasion to inform world community about freedom of the Press and the roadblocks the Journalists face in the discharge of their professional obligations and simultaneously remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to Press Freedom.
The celebration of the Day is also meant to impress upon journalists to uphold ethics of journalism and not indulge in yellow journalism.
However, the media houses in J&K have been facing umpteen hardships in one form or the other. But, a statement issued by the JKPA said media persons have been keeping the flag of Journalism fluttering. The Central Government and Union Territory Administration must address their issues dispassionately and not add to their woes, the statement said.