Bandipora, Jan 04: The Bandipora Working Journalists Association (BEJA) received multiple reports about two individuals who have been posing as journalists in North Kashmir's Bandipora district for the past several weeks.
The association in a statement issued to Kashmir Convener here wants to clarify that it has no links with these individuals, and it is not responsible for any wrongful actions they may have undertaken.
The Association has received numerous complaints regarding a duo that has been visiting government offices and seeking details through RTI in the name of journalism. Subsequently, they engage in blackmailing officials.
"After conducting a thorough fact-check with every member of our Association, it was determined that both individuals, one non local and the other from Bandipora district, have no affiliations with the media association or any media organisation in Kashmir," it said.
It also said that the duo is falsely presenting themselves as reporters from the Delhi-based newspaper. "Apart from it, the duo is leveraging the identities of various other Kashmiri media houses in their purported pursuit of journalism. The association is actively considering legal measures against them in response to these deceptive actions," it added.
The BWJA spokesperson has urged government officials in District Bandipora not to recognize or accommodate these habitual offenders under the guise of journalism. Before inviting any journalist to official functions in Bandipora, concerned government departments should obtain details of journalists registered with the Information Department in the district.
A list of journalists working in Bandipora has already been submitted to the Information Department, and government departments are urged to obtain and utilise this detailed list for smooth functioning.
Notably, the Bandipora Working Journalist Association has consistently upheld the highest ethical standards in conducting professional journalism within the district.
