Bandipora, Oct 25: The Bandipora Working Journalists Association (BWJA) has strongly condemned the move by the administration of District Hospital Bandipora for filing a complaint against journalist Danish Ali, terming it an attempt to suppress genuine journalism and stifle press freedom.
According to the Association, Danish Ali had recently gone live on social media after his cousin brother sustained injuries in a road accident at Papchan, Bandipora. In the live video, he expressed concern over the delay of more than an hour in arranging an ambulance for referral and highlighted instances of alleged mismanagement within the hospital.
“Instead of taking the criticism constructively and addressing the concerns raised, the hospital administration has chosen to target the journalist,” BWJA said, adding that reports indicate that signatures of several doctors and staff members were allegedly taken under pressure to support the complaint — some of whom were not even familiar with the journalist in question.
The Association clarified that Danish Ali has never been involved in any form of blackmailing and has consistently maintained high professional and ethical standards in his reporting.
“Filing complaints against journalists for performing their professional duties amounts to a direct assault on the freedom of the press,” BWJA stated. “Constructive criticism from the media should be viewed as an opportunity to improve governance and public services, not as an act of defamation.”
The Association urged the hospital administration to withdraw the complaint immediately and focus on improving healthcare facilities for the people of Bandipora instead.
Reaffirming its stand, the Bandipora Working Journalists Association said it remains committed to the principles of free, fair, and responsible journalism and stands in solidarity with Danish Ali.
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