Now Tarigami Raises Concern Over Advertisement Policy, Calls for Protection of Press Freedom – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: A day after Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq raised concerns in the Legislative Assembly over the crisis faced by the local media sector, CPI(M) leader and Kulgam legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday echoed similar apprehensions, calling for a fresh and transparent media policy that ensures equitable distribution of government advertisements and safeguards press freedom.

Tarigami said the media in Jammu and Kashmir continues to function under “difficult circumstances,” with several publications allegedly being denied advertisements without clear reasoning. “The government must frame a fair and inclusive media policy that ensures equal opportunities for all media houses,” he said.

He stressed that journalism plays a vital role in sustaining democracy. “We must protect the freedom of the press and the rights of our reporters. Suppressing independent voices undermines both accountability and public trust,” Tarigami added.

Earlier on Wednesday, JKNC legislator Tanvir Sadiq had also voiced deep concern in the Assembly over the “advertisement drought” affecting the media industry, accusing the government of neglecting the sector that serves as a cornerstone of democracy.

“It is unfortunate that many local publications have been denied advertisements for years. The media serves as the fourth pillar of democracy and deserves institutional support, not neglect,” Sadiq had said, urging the administration to devise an equitable and transparent mechanism for advertisement allocation.