Omar vows free & independent media

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing concerns over media functioning in the Valley, expressed his desire for a “free and open media”. He pledged to be “more open and accessible to mediapersons” during his tenure.

At his first media interaction since taking office, more than 200 journalists participated, marking a stark contrast to the selected invitations for the press conferences under the administration of J&K L-G Manoj Sinha. Previously, invitations to major press events also required Raj Bhavan’s clearance.

Omar emphasised the importance of independent journalism, stating, “I want the media to report facts as they exist, without interference, pressure, or telephone calls.” He assured that no questions had been censored or restricted at the event and expressed hope for biannual, agenda-free press interactions in the future.

Responding to a query about revising advertising rates for newspapers, Omar assured the journalist that the matter would be addressed in consultation with the Secretary and Director of Information.

When asked about regulating media professionals, he dismissed the idea of imposing restrictions. “It’s not for me to decide who should or shouldn’t be a journalist,” he said, adding that any such move would lead to accusations of “throttling journalists”.

Omar also discussed efforts to restore the Press Club, urging journalists to conduct elections to enable more structured government engagement.

Addressing past complaints of selective invitations, Omar said, “This press conference is open to everyone. We’re not picking and choosing whom we speak to.”

On journalist accreditation and CID verification, Omar revealed he had discussed the matter with the ADGP CID, despite Home Affairs not falling under the elected government’s purview. “I am hopeful this requirement will be removed,” he said.

When a journalist raised the issue of two jailed journalists, he assured, “We will raise this matter with the quarters concerned.”

Meanwhile, Opposition leaders criticised the NC government for failing to fulfil poll promises.

“Complete surrender by Omar Abdullah today in a presser at SKICC, a rather U-turn on power, ration, holidays and all other guarantees,” J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said in a statement. “As expected, he has admitted the reality — better late than never. J&K is a UT, and its future lies with the Union.”

Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu said, “It is becoming more and more evident that this confused government won’t be able to match the developmental/governance benchmarks set by the L-G administration.”

“Every poll promise is being broken, and that’s extremely sad for all of us. Such a tragic miscarriage of democracy,” he wrote on X.

Former CM and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed disappointment, stating, “I had hoped that Omar would say something on the issue of regularisation of thousands of daily wagers, including CIC operators, serving in various departments for meagre salaries.”

“Despite having worked for decades and completed all necessary formalities for regularisation of jobs, no progress has been made, and these families continue to suffer,” she said.

“The establishment of an elected government had raised hopes that their long-standing issue would finally be resolved. I urge Omar to resolve this matter on humanitarian grounds,” she added.

In response, NC spokesperson Imran Nabi said, “J&K CM Omar Abdullah, along with his Cabinet, is in front of the people, answering them. I can’t recall any example from history or the present where accountability and responsiveness are this real. This truly is the people’s government.”