Long term restraint on newspapers unreasonable: Katju to Omar

Circulation of these papers by the vendors was not possible as there were severe restrictions on any kind of movement in Srinagar city, in particular, and all over the Kashmir Valley at large, the chief minister said.

"We have been given to understand that on Sunday newspapers have not printed their editions as restrictions were continuing in the Kashmir Valley and circulation of the same would not have been possible, even if they were to be printed," Omar said in his reply.

"It may be mentioned that Jammu editions of the Kashmir- based papers did get circulated.

The Information department has not issued any directive to the publishers by putting any restrictions," he said.

It is true that the internet facilities on GPRS-enabled phones have suffered, but broadband internet facilities are available and the newspapers are updating their editions online, he added.

With the government proposing to ease restrictions in the Kashmir Valley as the situation improves, movement of vehicles will also be facilitated and authorities are sure that the media publications will also start circulation, Omar wrote in his reply.

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