Srinagar: Restrictions on people's movement and communication clampdown in Jammu and Kashmir, which entered 37th day on Wednesday after the modification of Article 370, is giving a tough time to journalists, especially females.
In the absence of internet and mobile phone services, women journalists, photographers, videographers are facing a number of challenges.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Masrat Zehra, a Kashmir based photojournalist, said, "There is no communication at all. Our parents are unaware about our whereabouts. We reach home late due to our assignments, sometimes there are clashes going on. It is a very difficult scenario."
With public transport off roads, female journalists seek help from unknown motorists or car owners to reach to their work place or back home.
"In these tough times, we are also harassed by security agencies sometimes. Like last time, when we were covering the situation, I was harassed by police stationed in Srinagar city and my car was vandalised," she alleged.
Masrat opines that there should be a separate association for female journalists in the Press Club where they could raise their demands. "This the first and foremost need of the hour. Only then we can seek help from the government," she said.
Restrictions were imposed across the Kashmir on 5 August when the Centre announced its decision to modify Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories.
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