Editors Federation JK strongly condemned the statement by former Minister and BJP MLA, Chaudhary Lal Singh, issuing a threat to Kashmiri journalists. The disgraced BJP MLA has broken all records of decency by earlier supporting the rapists in the case of Gujjar girl of Kathua. Now instead of condemning the attack and murder of founder editor of Rising Kashmir, Dr. Syed Shujaat Bukhari, Lal Singh has warned Kashmiri journalists of similar fate. Federation has sought strict police action against Lal Singh and demanded that he should desist from issuing irresponsible statements. Federation has appealed to the Governor to intervene in the matter direct the concerned to file FIR against the accused. It has said that the media fraternity is already under threat and Lal Singh has shown disregard to the role of press in espousing impartial governance.
The Federation has appealed the Press Council of India to take concerning of the matter. Federation also stating that media is already in shock over the death of Shujat Bukhari and such statements are only compounding the difficulties.
The Federation also stated that media is considered to be the fourth pillar of democracy and works irrespective of political leaning and is not prevented by borders to carry out its duties. Federation demanded that Lal Singh should withdraw his statement and make apology for his remarks.