Kashmir loses 10 journalists to conflict as world observes Press Freedom Day

SRINAGAR — As World Press Freedom Day was observed on Sunday, at least 10 Kashmiri journalists have been killed since 1990 in the Valley.

World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 03. The day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the importance of freedom of the Press. The day is reflection among media professionals about issues of Press freedom and professional ethics.

The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020 was “Journalism without Fear or Favour”. However, journalists in Kashmir said that they face threats and intimidation from various quarters.

At the same time, at least 10 journalists have lost their lives while fulfilling their duties since 1990 in the Valley. They include Mohammad Shaban Wakil killed in Srinagar on April 23 in 1991, Ghulam Muhammad Lone killed in Kangan on August 29 in 1994, Mushtaq Ali killed in Srinagar on September 10 in 1995, Ghulam Rasool Sheikh killed in Pampore on April 10 in 1996, Altaf Ahmed Faktoo killed in Srinagar on January 01 in 1997, Saidan Shafi killed in Srinagar on March 16 in 1997, Parvaz Mohammed Sultan killed in Srinagar on January 31 in 2003, Aasia Jeelani killed in Lolab Kupwara on April 20 in 2004, Javed Ahmed Mir killed in Srinagar on August 13 in 2008 and Shujaat Bukhari killed in Srinagar on June 14 in 2018.