Tanvir Sadiq questions govt over advertisement denial to newspapers

Srinagar, Oct 29 : National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday questioned the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Assembly over the continued denial of government advertisements to several local newspapers and media outlets.

Raising the issue during the proceedings, Sadiq said that publications have not been receiving advertisements from the government for several years.

“Till now, these media outlets have not been given any advertisement from the state government,” he said, asking whether the government considered them “anti-national” or had any other reason for stopping ads. “If they are anti-national, then they should be shut down. But if they are not, then they should be given advertisements like others,” he said.

He added that fairness demands allowing all newspapers to function freely. “The pen should be given so much permission that it is not stopped,” Sadiq said.

The lawmaker urged the government to clarify the reasons behind the stoppage of advertisements for some publications.

“I request the government to inform this House why advertisements of these newspapers have been stopped for the past five, six, or seven years,” he said, adding that a free press requires the support needed to continue its work.

“When their pen will be strong, only then will they write — whether against us or anyone else — but there should be no obstruction in writing,” Sadiq said.(KNS).