(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Kashmir Press Club - File Pic

Srinagar: The Kashmir Press Club (KPC) has taken serious note of the attempts by authorities to throttle information on coronavirus amid the unprecedented lockdown across the region.

Highlighting a recent gag order issued by Director Health Services, Kashmir directing doctors and paramedics not to share information with media about the ongoing crisis, the KPC said stopping information flow amid the unprecedented situation is highly condemnable.

It said putting out information during pandemic through authentic print and electronic media is of vital importance as it helps to stop flow of unverified information and rumours.

'The Kashmir Press Club notes with concern that the order invariably is nothing but a crude attempt at further stifling the freedom of press in the region. Kashmir media has been playing its role responsibly by highlighting lack of facilities and protective gears for frontline health workers-doctors and paramedics-to ensure gaps are filled in dealing with the virus, which has consumed two lives so far in the region', a statement issued by the club said.

'The KPC expects the concerned government authorities to exchange information related to coronavirus crisis with media and journalists with more vigor as only free and transparent flow of information would facilitate an objective and accurate body of work by the journalists', it further said.

The Kashmir Press Club also endorsed the statement of Editors Guild of India wherein it has detested the attempts by the government to put a gag on media as far as reporting the Coronavirus crisis is concerned. Reiterating its stand, the KPC said that no democracy anywhere in the world is fighting this pandemic by gagging its media.

The KPC also urged the authorities concerned that they should facilitate the movement of journalists and media workers during the lockdown period to allow them unhindered access as the newspapers have already been categorised as an essential service by the government.

It also condemned the assault on a reporter in Kulgam by the security personnel when he was returning from Qazigund hospital in south Kashmir on March 30, 2020. The KPC has demanded action against the culprits involved in this incident.

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