Media continues to boycott Jammu and Kashmir assembly proceedings

Jammu, Feb 28 (ANI): The media on Tuesday continued to boycott proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in protest against the 'objectionable remarks' made by the Speaker against reporters on the floor of the House.

Protesting mediapersons said they wouldn't call off their strike unless the remarks were expunged.

"Our demand is that as soon as the Speaker is ready to expunge these words, only then will we call off this boycott. Till that time our boycott will continue," said Mohit, a reporter.

They referred to the Supreme Court verdict, which ruled that no journalist could be forced to disclose his source unless it is a threat to national security.

"The Speaker probably doesn't know that freedom of press is supreme. He said yesterday 'press is under my control'. And secondly, he said. 'you should disclose your sources'. It is ruling of the apex court that no journalist can be forced to disclose his source unless it is a threat to the security of the nation," added Sandeep, another reporter.

"His attitude and the way he is behaving with us.... We have been on this sit-in protest for last 24 hours and nobody from the speaker side has come," added Sandeep.

The assembly was the center of a fresh row on Monday after legislators of the ruling National Conference alleged that corruption cases against them were made up.

Responding to it, Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone said he controlled the media and it should reveal the source, if the content is considered objectionable.

Earlier this month, the Jammu and Kashmir Government attracted media attention after state's Accountability Commission issued an order against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over allegedly the unlawful appointment of his advisors.

Abdullah also faced criticism for various charges of corruption and lawlessness against his ministers. (ANI)