Journalists across J&K should be vaccinated against COVID-19: Raman Suri

JAMMU, May 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri today said journalists belonging to national, state, electronic, print or social media are all working tirelessly since past over one year covering the pandemic by putting their lives at risk and need to be vaccinated immediately. He said, many young girls and boys who are reporting from COVID-19 designated hospitals, congested places and are attending government briefings round the clock are very much prone to the pandemic and must be vaccinated.

Extending wishes to all the journalists on ‘World Press Freedom Day’, Raman Suri said, seeing the commitment of working journalists towards their duties, the freedom of press and ethics in journalism, they must also be put on top priority list and vaccinated across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. He also remembered those who died on duty and said that this section of the society has always been staying alive to public issues, highlighting government’s programmes and their shortcomings besides making commoners aware of their surroundings even in the toughest of times.

Urging journalists to curb fake news, Raman Suri said,the majority of those who are working hard to win over misinformation and harmful contents being posted on social media deserve huge appreciation. This is the reason that today we are urging Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to order vaccination of all the journalists on priority basis, so that they can continue to work safely. He added that several journalists, be it from print, electronic or social media, are regularly updating Jammu and Kashmir with their tireless coverage and are also bringing to the foreground advice of doctors and experts on pandemic.

Raman Suri said, majority of them have already been vaccinated as per their age and criteria, and now the remaining ones must be vaccinated at some designated centres for their convenience. Busy with their production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism in the most transparent manner, services of these young working journalists must be recognized in the larger interest of ourUnion Territory. He added that almost every district has a set of working journalists, majority of whom have been vaccinated as per their age groups, but the remaining ones should be given priority now.

The BJP J&K Executive Member also urged working journalists to stay cautious against viruses and follow all protocols for their own safety as well as that of their family members. He said, their job in the present day crisis is like walking on razor’s edge and they need to be extra cautious while reporting events from different areas. Avoiding crowds, following guidelines, wearing masks, sanitising hands and their equipment regularly besides avoiding infectious places should be on top priority though they are required to be reporting from ground zero.