‘Govt should ensure media’s access to Mingora’

PESHAWAR: Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) on Tuesday demanded that the government ensure media’s access to Mingora. “There is a complete blackout of news from Swat, Buner and Dir where military operation against militants is in progress. There’s no source of dissemination of news. No one is aware of the actual situation in these districts,” KhUJ President Mohammad Riaz told a news conference here. He demanded the displaced Swat journalists be allowed to go back to Mingora under the government’s protection to keep the world informed about the situation. Around 33 journalists from Swat and seven from Buner left their respective areas on security ground. As a result, the residents stranded in the two districts have no access to newspaper and TV. Their radio sets also remain turned off due to continued disruption in electric supply. Most of the displaced journalists from Swat and Buner have reached Peshawar where some of them are residing with relatives, while others look for houses on rent. Riaz asked owners of newspapers and TV channels to arrange temporary accommodation for their displaced staffers. “Under these tough circumstances, media owners should help displaced journalists pay house rent, utility bills and transport charges,” he said. staff report

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