The IFJ and its affiliate

organisation, the National Union of Journalists (India),

are concerned to learn that the government in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has

sent out an advisory to all media organisations within its jurisdiction,

warning against the “publication of certain objectionable material”.

Recipients of the Jammu and Kashmir

government advisory have been put on notice that they are to “refrain from

publication of such objectionable and seditious material”.

Failure to comply, in terms of the

advisory, would constrain the Jammu

and Kashmir state government to “take action” under

rules already notified. These allow for the withdrawal of official advertising

from non-compliant media organisations.

The government restrictions come as nominations open in state assembly

elections amid calls for a boycott by certain political elements.

“The use of a term such as

‘sedition’ in official notifications involving the press is a matter of serious

concern for all journalists,” said the IFJ Asia-Pacific.

“We urge the Jammu and Kashmir government to delink their

ad placement policy from the editorial stance of particular newspapers in the

interests of genuine media freedom.”

For further

information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific

on +612 9333 0919

The IFJ represents

over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries