End of boycott by media avoids a piquant situation, comes as a relief

GNS Jammu  Feb. 29, :  A strange situation which was unfortunately created by an affront by Presiding Officer of J&K Assembly to 4^th Estate has finally been brought to close with media persons ending their protest. Peoples Democratic Party in the wake of this development expresses strong hope that not only will such piquant scenes be avoided. But it should augur well for the relationship of legislature and the media.as the latter ‘s role of public awareness and prevention of abuse in state-functioning cannot be underestimated.

In a press statement a party spokesman said that PDP has always stood for free battle of ideas in which media has a significant place and they did not deserve the treatment that they met on publishing received information on alleged scams and misuse of authority by government functionaries and politicians . 

The spokesman said when media rose against excessive behavior and uncalled for remarks  taking a principled stand , which was  applauded by civil society and responded in equal measure by PDP by going on boycott of the business in sheer solidarity with the journalists and respect for the media  institution.  He said  the party will continue to uphold the dignity of media persons and will put in all efforts to uphold the freedom of press .

He said PDP acknowledges the importance of media in the present gagging atmosphere where the present political dispensation is on a spree of muzzling the voices  as a calculated cover-up game of all and any misdeed they commit with impunity.  It is the media that is anchoring a premier role in saving the state from a drift and provides people a much-desired voice. Where PDP is impeded in the accomplishment of its earned role of public –service , media comes to rescue shouldering responsibility of highlighting the sufferings , he said adding “ we wish that Government  will draw a lesson from the confrontationist attitude and its fall out with institutions . “  He pointed out that the situation could have been avoided , which Government and Presiding officer chose not to do without unfortunately bothering for

public interest and privilege of the public representatives to utilize the forum of assembly of redressal of woes and miseries of the masses. 

The spokesman said that it is again the media which did not shirk its responsibility and returned to normal business , to facilitate the noble task of public service .  Like we applauded the principled stand of media against arrogance and irrationality, we see the return in the same spirit and feel relieved  , he added.