Srinagar, 02 May: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Saturday said free press is essential to a functioning democracy as it informs citizens and ensures accountability.
In his message on International Press Freedom Day, Dr. Farooq highlighted the importance of a vibrant and independent media. “No society can hope to reap the benefits of democracy without guaranteeing its press fraternity the freedom and dignity it deserves. The local press, particularly in Kashmir, continues to work under tremendous pressure,” he said.
He further praised the resilience of journalists in the region, saying, “The struggle of embattled journalists in Kashmir to uphold the rights of the people is truly commendable.”
Dr. Farooq also paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. “I salute the courage of our journalistic community, who despite restrictions and challenges, continue to serve with dedication. I also pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties,” he added.
Underscoring the broader principle, he said that freedom of thought is intrinsically linked to the right to free speech and a free press. “At the same time, it is imperative for the press fraternity to uphold the dignity and responsibility that come with this profession,” he said.