Safety Issues of Journalists Reporting in Conflict Zone: A Case Study of Pakistan & Indian Administered Kashmir

Abstract

We are largely dependent on local media reports to keep informed about the ground realities and latest happenings in any region. These reports become the sole source of information in a conflict situation in any society or state wherein the parties involved in the conflict bar independent human rights observers and bodies to operate freely in the disputed territories. Due to journalism’s unique and extremely powerful role in conflict situation, the key players involved in the dispute kept trying to exploit the media to influence public opinion, delude global community and legitimate their power. Consequently, journalists are facing serious challenges such as threats to their lives and livelihood, targeted killings, harassment, intimidation, and censorship. The article places a particular focus on the safety as the main challenge for journalists in both divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir and examines that if they had been provided safe working environment or are they trained to tackle their safety issues. Seventy-three journalists representing both parts of the disputed state participated in the qualitative study by responding to a semi-structured questionnaire, in depth interviews and FGDs. The interviews were analyzed through NVivo software by using thematic analysis approach, a widely used technique to identify themes, i.e. patterns in the data that are important or interesting. 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, abusive treatment, violence and threats to their lives and livelihood. The study revealed that journalists working on both sides of LoC were not being adequately trained on safety issues in conflict zone.