DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, May 3
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) expressed deep concern over the state of press freedom in the country. Party’s J&K chief Manish Sahni said that India’s ranking at 157 in the 2026 report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), below Pakistan and Bangladesh, is a serious warning for the democratic system.
In a press statement issued from the party’s state office, Sahni said that journalists in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are facing “institutional, economic and legal pressures.” He raised concerns that provisions related to content verification and advertisement allocation under the Media Policy 2020 could adversely affect independent journalism. Dependence of local media on government advertisements was also cited as a major factor contributing to economic pressure. He further said that the prolonged closure of the Kashmir Press Club indicates weakening of institutional structures. “Curtailing press freedom undermines the very foundation of democracy. Journalists in J&K must be ensured a fearless and impartial working environment,” Sahni said. He added that there is a clear demand for a fair review of cases registered against journalists, an end to unnecessary summons and coercive actions, restoration of press institutions, and implementation of a concrete policy for the safety and welfare of journalists. Additionally, Shiv Sena urged the government to launch a 24×7 “Duggar Channel” on Jammu Doordarshan to strengthen regional representation and provide a dedicated platform for local language, culture, and issues.
“Strengthening press freedom is essential to strengthening democracy,” he said.
