8 August 2019: The Indian Journalists Union (UU) expresses grave concern over restrictions imposed on the media and journalists in Kashmir, which is under unprecedented lockdown since August 5. With all means of communication including basic, mobile telephones and internet services blocked, the media's access to information and its rightful duty to inform the public has been curtailed.

In a statement, IJU President and Press Council of India member Amar Devulapalli and IJU Secretary General and IFJ Vice President Sabina Inderjit said this gag on press freedom is antithesis of a democracy and demanded that the Union Home Ministry and local administration make arrangements that the media establishments are allowed to carry out their duties and that journalists are immediately issued curfew passes to report from the ground.

The IJU said New Delhi must remember that rightful access to information to the media to share with the people will only help halt rumour-mongering and nagging uncertainty prevailing in Kashmir.