CM promises freedom of press

Jammu, Oct 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday struck the right chord with the media persons stating that all their issues would be addressed and they would be given the desired freedom to work.

“I also assure the media persons that my government will not do any injustice to them; will not resort to highhandedness. Media persons will not be punished for writing against me. Though I know it will be difficult for me to read articles criticising me. Probably I would not like to read or even see them. But we will not be able to strengthen democracy if the media is not allowed to function independently,” he said.

Mentioning some of their concerns, the Chief Minister said, “I know that there are many media persons, who have to face obstacles in getting their accreditation or registration done. They have not been issued their press cards. Slowly and steadily, all these issues will be resolved. We will strengthen this institution.”

“But there is a request where we dither in our performance or fail to perform you will be free to criticise us. But it is also anticipated that criticism will not be done for the sake of it and you will be fair in appreciating our good works also,” he stated.