Baramulla, Oct 27 (JKNS): The Interim Body of the Baramulla Working Journalists Association (BWJA) has taken note of the recent press release issued by the former office-bearers of BWJA and reiterated that the Association belongs to the entire media fraternity of Baramulla district, not to any individual or select group.
The Interim Body clarified that it was unanimously constituted last week with the support of approximately 95 per cent of media persons working across the district. It stated that this collective initiative aims to restore democratic representation, ensure transparency and provide an inclusive platform for all eligible working journalists.
The Interim Body asserted that the collective mandate of the district’s media fraternity must be respected and that no individual or group can claim exclusive control over an organisation established to serve the interests of working journalists.
It also raised concern over the exclusion of several experienced media persons from the Association’s membership, including journalists with more than ten years of field experience, and called for fair and transparent membership criteria.
The Interim Body emphasised that the way forward lies in preparing a verified electoral roll, finalising clear by-laws and conducting free, fair and transparent elections, providing every eligible journalist an equal opportunity to participate.
It reiterated that the purpose of the initiative is to strengthen BWJA as a credible, inclusive and democratically functioning organisation, rather than allowing its affairs to remain confined to a select group. The Interim Body appealed to the media fraternity to stand united in protecting the rights, dignity and professional interests of working journalists.
“BWJA is an organisation of the entire media fraternity, not anyone’s personal property. Its leadership and future must reflect the collective voice of working journalists through a fair and democratic process.” Issued INTERIM CHAIRMAN Baramulla Working Journalists Association (BWJA)