Media Must Be Held In High Esteem,Questioning Peoples In Power Is Their Democratic Right : Rafique Rather

Srinagar/March,13:Senior PDP leader and District President Baramulla *Mohammad Rafique Rather* has strongly emphasized the role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy, asserting that questioning those in power is an inalienable democratic right of journalists and criticized the growing tendency of intolerance and aggression against media professionals, stating that failures cannot be concealed by resorting to hostility.
In a statement issued today, Rafique Rather remarked that *“a free and independent press is essential for *democracy, accountability and transparency in governance.”* He condemned attempts to suppress journalists or intimidate them, calling it a direct assault on democratic principles.
*“Instead of addressing legitimate concerns, those who try to silence the media to cover up their failures can in no way be called democrats,*” he stated.
Rather further pointed out that a government’s success is reflected in its performance, not in its ability to suppress criticism. *“The people have the right to know the truth, and it is the duty of the media to bring that truth to light. Attempts to evade accountability through aggression will only expose the weaknesses of those in power,”* he added.
Urging Govt to uphold press freedom, the senior PDP leader called for an environment where journalists can function without fear or pressure. He reiterated that democracy thrives on debate, discussion, and dissent, and any move to curb these fundamental principles would be a step toward authoritarianism.
Rather reaffirmed PDP’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and press freedom, urging the those in power to focus on good governance rather than engaging in hostility toward the media.