Printers Association Kashmir Postpones Shutdown Decision Following Requests from Newspaper Owners

The Printers Association Kashmir has decided to postpone its previously announced shutdown of printing operations on Wednesday (March 12) after receiving requests from newspaper owners, in light of the ongoing budget session of the Legislative Assembly.

A spokesman for the association stated that the printing press community in Kashmir has expressed grave concern over the police action against KT Press employees. The action was reportedly initiated after Ghazi Nasrullah, a newspaper owner, provided misleading information to the police regarding a financial transaction, resulting in the harassment of KT Press staff. The association has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and demands appropriate action against Nasrullah for supplying false information to the police.

The statement further highlighted that the Printers Association had initially announced the suspension of newspaper printing operations on Wednesday, unless immediate action was taken by the government. However, following the appeal from around 100 newspaper owners and editors, who could be directly impacted, the association has decided to delay the protest call due to the ongoing legislative session.

The statement emphasized that the newspaper owners and editors are united in their demand for the government to take urgent notice of the issue and launch a proper investigation. It also condemned the harassment of KT Press employees, particularly Tariq Iqbal, and reiterated that Ghazi Nasrullah's actions, which led to the mistreatment of press workers, are unacceptable.