Rajouri Media Fraternity Condemns “Blackmailer” Remark by Government Officer

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

*Journalists Demand Accountability, Say Allegations Against Entire Media Community Are Unwarranted and Defamatory*

RAJOURI, MAY 22 :– Strong resentment has emerged among members of the media fraternity in Rajouri after reports surfaced that a government officer from Thanamandi allegedly termed “Rajouri media” as blackmailers in connection with an alleged payment of Rs 20,000 made to an individual journalist source.

Senior journalists and media persons have expressed concern over what they described as a “blanket allegation” against the entire journalist community of Rajouri, asserting that if any individual has received money from any department, the responsibility and accountability should be fixed on that particular person alone rather than targeting the entire media fraternity.

Media members stated that neither the Press Association nor any Press Club was involved in the matter, and therefore dragging the entire Rajouri media into controversy is unjustified and damaging to the reputation of professional journalists working honestly in the district.

Journalists questioned the conduct of the concerned officer, stating that if any payment was allegedly made, it raises serious questions as to why a government official would provide money to any individual in the first place. They maintained that such actions indicate that there may be more to the matter which requires transparent inquiry.

“The name of the individual concerned should be disclosed if there is any evidence, but branding all journalists as blackmailers is highly irresponsible and defamatory,” several media persons said while reacting strongly to the remarks.

Members of the media fraternity further said that the issue must be addressed collectively and legally, adding that options including filing a defamation case against the concerned officer are being discussed.

They emphasized that journalism in Rajouri has always played an important role in highlighting public issues, administrative shortcomings, and developmental concerns, and any attempt to malign the entire media community through sweeping allegations will not be tolerated.

The journalists urged authorities to maintain respect for democratic institutions and ensure that government officials refrain from making generalized and defamatory statements against the press without proof.