Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Association (JKYJA) on Saturday held an important meeting at its office, during which the participants termed the continuous internet blockade as an attack on very basic right to live.
JKYJA stated that E-Curfew amounts an attack on bread and butter of many. JKYJA President, Ajaz Ahmad War stated, “The continuous blockade of the internet is not only hitting the journalist community but every sphere of life. Now blocking of Social networking sites like Facebook and WhatsApp will prove disastrous as the online world is a source of earning for many spheres of life in the present age of technology. If the decision is not revoked JKYJA in collaboration with like-minded organizations will hit the streets soon.”
Rameez Makhdoomi, Spokesperson JKYJA Stated-“Curbing internet day in day out since past few years is having an adverse impact on the economic prospects of the youth of Kashmir. Despite lofty talks of freedom of speech, democracy on the ground opposite of all this is witnessed in form of censorship. The blockade of social media and internet will choke already scuttled space in Kashmir and things would head towards worse.”
On the occasion, Bilal Furqani, senior journalist and Vice president JKYJA stated – “Government should not in name of curbing the internet mediums like social media, mobile internet let the genuine organizations suffer and a saner path should be carved out in this regard.”
Bilal Bashir Bhat, Treasurer JKYJA stated – “The online media is the main source of news nowadays and to add to it all the important business sectors are dependent on the internet for their survival and growth so curbing the internet will have serious repercussions.”
JKYJA stated that it will come with a complete course of action in coming days so as to raise voice against the serious issue of internet ban. (PTK)