No local newspaper hit the stand for the second day today

Srinagar, Aug 26 (UNI) All the local newspaper offices remained locked for the second day today due to indefinite curfew, while all the local television channels remained off the air for the third day today.

Meanwhile, a number of media organisations, political parties and social organisations have strongly condemned the attack on media persons by the CRPF yesterday in which more than six journalists and photo journalists were injured.

The local newspaper did not hit the stand for the second day today as the management of these local English and Urdu Dailies decided not to publish today's issue because of indefinite curfew restrictions in the valley for the past two days.

Even the national and regional papers besides from Jammu were also not available due to curfew. People in the valley had to rely on National television channels, BBC and Radio Kashmir for news besides accessing national and international newspapers through Internet.

The management of the local newspapers said they could not distribute their newspapers on August 24 because of sudden announcement of curfew by the authorities. We have suffered huge losses, they said. About 40 newspapers are published in the valley daily.

All the local channels remained off the air, in protest against the District Magistrate's order, directing them not to telecast news and current affairs programmes.

However, official spokesman said the channels were issued notices not to telecast any such news or any other news item which could vitiate the law and order situation and inflame passions with a view to fuel public disorder.

A number of media organisations, political parties and social organiation condemned the attack on media by CRPF, describing it as attack on the freedom of press.

UNI BAS RJ BST1217