An Analysis of Challenges in Reporting by Journalists in Conflict Zone: Case Study of Muzaffarabad & Srinagar

Abstract

Kashmir, an unresolved and longstanding dispute is among the most complicated global conflicts in present world. Due to high number of civilian casualties in the region, issues of human rights abuses are matter of great concern for the international community. Local media, a lone source of ground information is highlighting the human rights issues and facing multiple challenges like censorships, threats and target killings by the parties involved in the conflict. This study aims to explore the situation of freedom of press, challenges and capacity issues of the journalists on both sides of Line of Control (LoC) in reporting context. Journalists from both sides of divided state were interviewed through semi-structured questionnaire to assess the challenges they are facing regarding their reporting assignments. Results showed that journalists working in Indian administered Kashmir (IaK) were facing more serious challenges than journalists in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK). These challenges were included unfavorable media environment, lack of access to information, unfriendly media laws and threats to their lives and livelihood.