Introduction

INTRODUCTION
Press is a way of free expression or a way of communication. It has become a
powerful social institution. Its purpose is not only to highlight the social, political and
economic issues but also to educate, inform and instruct the general masses. Besides a
profession, press is an adventurous exploration into the serious and trivial things of
life. In modern times press has been glorified as the Fourth Estate because of the
expanse of its reach and its professional vastness. Newspapers are the media that
mirror the reflections of the society in which they are published in.1It is believed that
without the freedom of press, establishment of any democratic form of governance is

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impossible. Being a tool of general public, a journalist makes coverage of different

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eye seeing day to day events.2 Thomas Jefferson, a leading Jurist and Ex-president of

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United States of America, has said “If I have to choose between a government and the

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press, I would choose the later.”3
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It has been observed that “A newspaper can provide an intellectual impetus by
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offering considerable space to new ideas”.4 It seems that a newspaper not only
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highlights social and political issues but also works to generate thoughtful and
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positive debate and pushes a society towards intellectual growth which ensures a
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better human resource for society to progress and bring honour. It is true that a
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newspaper encourages intellectual growth by accommodating articles, opinions,

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viewpoints on different issues and themes and leaves up to the reader to judge and
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form an opinion. The essence of newspapers is aptly summed up by M. K. Gandhi:

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“One of the objects of a newspaper is to understand the popular feelings and give
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expression to it; another is to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments;
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the third is fearlessly to expose popular defects.”5

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History of press in the state of Jammu and Kashmir6 is recent development.

Urdu journalism, in particular, was already flourishing at places like Lucknow,

1
Muslim Jan, “Genesis of Journalism in Jammu and Kashmir” Kashmir Journal of Social Science, Vol.
1, No. 1. 2006, Srinagar, p. 299-302.
2
John Muhammad Azad, Adab-e-Sahafat, Urdu Markaz Publishers, Srinagar, 1987, p. 19.
3
Greater Kashmir, (Srinagar) 23th September 1993.
4
Ajaz-ul- Haque, “The Scope of Hope” Greater Kashmir, (Srinagar) 29th March 2009.
5
M. K. Gandhi, Hind Swaraj, Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad, 1909, p. 13.
6
It is often referred to as Kashmir. This seems to be a legacy of the British Raj in India. The British
referred to it so and spelt it first as „Cashmere‟ and then occasionally as „Kashmere‟. Later, however,
„Kashmir‟ became the standard form. More details see U. K. Zutshi, Emergence of Political Awakening
in Kashmir, Manohar Publications, New Delhi, 1986, p. 19.

1
 Introduction

Lahore, Sialkot and other regions of Punjab. Urdu newspapers7 published from these
places found their entry into the state even during the late nineteenth century. 8 There
was hardly any local journalist in the early decades of the twentieth century who
could feel the necessity of a state-wide organisation of journalists for the protection of
their rights as well as their guidance. Indeed, suggestions were made from time to
time by individual members of the profession to convene a conference of all the
working journalist of the state. However, this idea did not materialise because of one
or the other reason.9
It was during the early years of Dogra10 rule that a large number of Kashmiris

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migrated from the state because of wide spread famine and economic strangulation.

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Most of them settled in Punjab, where comparatively under free atmosphere they

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received education and become economically sound. It seems natural that they had

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not forgotten the land of their origin.11 In the absence of publications of any

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newspaper in the state, most of the debates were carried out not in newspapers but
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informally and privately published pamphlets, usually of poetry. 12 For instance,
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Pandit Brij Narayan Chakbasth known for pro Hindu-Muslim unity, quoted as
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below:13
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Roshan dil weran hain mohabat se watan ki

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Ya jalwah mehtab hain aujde huve ghar main

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(The enlightened heart is desolated by the longing for his land,

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Or it is the shining light of moon in a deserted house)

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na
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7
The State Council on its constitution in 1889 was to change the court language from Persain to Urdu.
Since the Urdu became official language of Jammu and Kashmir 1889. Literate generation was able to
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understand this language easily. For more details see Shahab Inayat Malik, Armagan-i-Shahab,
Meezan Publishers, Srinagar, 1910, p. 21, also see P. N. K. Bamzai, Cultural and Political History of
Kashmir, Vol. III, M D Publications Ltd, New Delhi, 1st ed. 1994, p. 716.
8
Shahab Inayat Malik, Armagan-i-Shahab, Meezan Publishers, Srinagar, 1910, p. 21.
9
F. No. M/55/43/N, Publicity Department, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir State Archives
Repository, Jammu, 1943.
10
Maharaja Gulab Singh was the first Dogra ruler (1846-1857). There were numerous castes, one
among them was Dogra and the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh religions are jointly living in the state. All
whether high born Rajputs of the Maharaja‟s caste or low-born menials, were known as Dogras. The
Dogras had a great reputation as soldiers. More details see Walter R. Lawrence, The Valley of Kashmir,
Gulshan Books, Srinagar, Second ed. 2011, p. 220.
11
Muhammad Yousuf Saraf, Kashmiris Fight for Freedom, Vol. 1, Feroz Sons, Ltd., Lahore, 1st ed.
1977, p. 449.
12
Chitralekha Zutshi, Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity and the Making of Kashmir,
permanent black, New Delhi, 2003, p. 149.
13
Habib Kaifvi, Kashmir Main Urdu, Markazi Urdu Board Gulbarag, Lahore, 1st ed. 1979, p. 112.

2
 Introduction

Meanwhile, the Kashmiri Muslims formed various associations such as the

Anjuman-i-Kashmiri Mussalmanan-i-Lahore (1896). Some members of association
started publication of newspapers especially devoted to the cause of the upliftment of
Muslims in the State. Thus, it can be said that Punjab press created platform for the
freedom of thought and expression in the state.14

Review of Modern Literature:

There is some literature available on this topic which, however, mainly
focuses on the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. The literature also partially, or

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sometimes completely, ignores the socio-cultural or economic aspects. Lala Mulk Raj

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Saraf (known as father of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir15), in his book Fifty

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Years as a Journalist mainly focuses on the evolution of journalism in Jammu and

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Kashmir state and discusses about the first local newspaper Ranbir. He mentions in
this book that “If the study of my trails and turmoils, successes and failures, as
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embodied in this book may enable a journalist to discover himself even to a slight
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degree and lead him to the road, though long and dreary, to foot it bravely, strong or
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weary, I would consider my labour amply rewarded”.16

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His determination of writing this book can be revealed by his own words: “If
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Lahore alone could provide scope for so many newspapers, could not the vast State of
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Jammu and Kashmir afford even a single newspaper.”17 The author has seemingly
Li
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described his efforts which he made to start his first newspaper Ranbir (1924). His
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work is actually his autobiography where he has focussed more on his works and has
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not dealt with the works of other writers.

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Another journalist, Sofi Ghulam Mohi-Uddin in his book Jammu Kashmir

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main Urdu Sahafat (1924-1986) (1989) has discussed Kashmir‟s scenic beauty along
with the political uncertainties which altered the whole situation. The author has
focussed on the history of newspapers in Kashmir. However, the government‟s
approach towards Punjab Press has not been taken up in detail. The present study has
tried to explore it.

14
Muhammad Yousuf Saraf, op. cit., pp. 449-450.
15
Khalid Bashir Ahmad, “Journalism in Kashmir: Origin and Evolution,” 9th March 2018, Rising
Kashmir, Srinagar. https://medium.com/@kbahmad05/journalism-in-kashmir-journey-and-milestones-
40050b069f3e
16
Lala Mulk Raj Saraf, Fifty as a Journalist, Raj Mahal Publishers, Jammu, 1967, p. xi. (Italics mine)
17
Ibid., p. 6.

3
 Introduction

Khursheed Aalam Khan in his book Aaftab aur Srinagar Times: Kashmir
main Urdu Sahafat kay Sang-e-Meel (2013) has explored the obstacles and difficulties
faced by editors in order to juice up Kashmiri journalism. Despite political
reverberation in the state, both these newspapers continued their publication and have
prime significance in the history of press.18 The author has focussed mainly on two
newspapers namely Aaftab and Srinagar Times, which makes it very limited in scope.
The present study will try to widen this horizon.
Rasheed Tasir wrote Naqoosh-i-Sahafat: Tareek-i-Sahafat Jammu wa
Kashmir (1867-1988. This is a crafted book on history of the press in Jammu and

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Kashmir. The local newspapers have been quite focussed. In respect of growth and

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development of journalism and its different aspects were categorically mentioned in

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this book. After reading this book it becomes apparent that there is lack of analysis on

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the part of author in line with the government policies towards press. The author has
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further ignored the intervention of the national press. The present study will attempt to
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bridge the gap.
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Jagmohan Malhotra (Governor State Jammu and Kashmir-1984-1989), in his

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book My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir (1991) has focussed on the political scenario
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of the State during his tenure. Besides, he has described administrative structure under
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the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and the role of Governor in the State. He
br
Li

writes that the entire vernacular press became a mouth piece of the subversive
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elements. It appears that there is a need to highlight the were the reasons that led to
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„rising storm‟, that is, the insurgency of 1989, its effects on governance and common
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masses of the State. And, how the press played its role after insurgency, which was a
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critical phase of Kashmir history. However, Jagmohan Malhotra, being a

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representative of the government, has seemingly displayed selective prejudice;

therefore, the present study has attempted to make a critical analysis of it.
Another important recent work is Khalid Bashir Ahmad‟s Kashmir: Exposing
the Myth Behind the Narrative (2017). The author has revisited the history of Kashmir
by questioning the historical facts from ancient to modern times. The ninth chapter of
the book is titled „Media‟ and is related to the present research work. After the
analysis of the chapter, it appears that some factual information has been given.

18
Khursheed Alam Khan, Aftab aur Srinagar times, Kashmir Mai Urdu Sahafat kay Sange Meal,
Kasmi Qutub Khana, Jammu, 2013, p. 16.

4
 Introduction

However, the role of Punjab press, Jammu and Kashmir on the eve partition and
Government policies has not been taken in detail. In this regard, the author has failed
to come up with an objective study regarding press.
Teresa Joseph in his research paper „Kashmir, human rights, and the Indian
Press‟ has made a comprehensive study on the role of national press with respect to
Kashmir. However, his main focus is on some English language newspapers i.e. The
Hindu, Times of India, and Indian Express.19 There is a certain need to widen the
scope in regard with the analysis and role of the national press.
Likewise, A.G. Noorani in his article „Greater Kashmir and Repression in

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Kashmir‟ (EPW, 2005) has highlighted suppression on the press in Jammu and

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Kashmir, of which the harassment faced by the Greater Kashmir has been the main

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focus of study. There is a need to explore the problems faced by the newspapers as

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well like Srinagar Times, Aftab, Al-Safa, etc.
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Although a lot of research has been carried out on different aspects of Jammu
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and Kashmir history, but history of press and its role has been neglected. Most of the
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literature mainly focuses on political arena of history and lacks other aspects. For
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example, Ordinances, Notices, Press and Publication Acts issued by the government
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have not been taken in detail. The role of the national press has been sidelined. Some
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local newspapers were related to socio-cultural history of Kashmir, their contribution

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needs to be highlighted. The present study is aimed to be unique as well as novel in

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approach regarding to the history and role of the press in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Data collection related to research work forms a pivotal part. For the present
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study, collection of data was based on primary as well as secondary sources. The
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primary sources include the newspapers, archival material, official documents,

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gazetteers, autobiographies, and contemporary work. Besides the primary sources, the
data for the present work is collected from secondary sources. It is mainly in the form
of books and journal articles.
In order to make present study significant, the data was collected from the
National Archives (New Delhi), State Archives Repositories of Jammu and Kashmir
(Srinagar and Jammu), Press Information Bureau (Srinagar), and different libraries.
After analysing data, it was helpful to identify the various characteristics of the

19
Teresa Joseph, “Kashmir, Human Rights and the Indian Press,” Contemporary South Asia, Vol. 9,
No. 1, 2000, p. 41-55.

5
 Introduction

research gap and the present study tries to fulfil that. Therefore, the present work has
the following objectives:
1. To explore the role of the Press in the national awakening of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. To critically analyse the Governmental policies towards the press during Dogra rule
(1900-1947) and after the state‟s accession to the Indian Union (1947-2000).
3. To have a critical analysis of the National press in the dissemination of Kashmir
feeling.
4. To bring into light the neglected and less researched era of press on the eve of
partition and afterwards.

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5. To highlight the impact of Press after the eruption of insurgency in 1989.

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The methodology used in the present study is descriptive, comprehensive,

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comparative and analytical in nature. The data for the research is collected from both

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primary as well as secondary sources. The primary sources include archival material,
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newspapers, official documents, gazetteers, etc., and the secondary sources include
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books, articles, and journals.
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I. Profile of Press during British India:-

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The introduction of the printing press in India started by Portuguese in 1556 was an
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event of great significance in the lives of the Indian people. So the history of the press
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in India can be traced from the arrival of European powers. Among these powers, the
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English East India Company (1600) was successful in establishing its rule in the mid-
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eighteenth century. At the beginning of the company‟s rule, newspapers were coming
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from England. William Bolts resigned from the Company‟s job in 1766, raised
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questions in regard to a company‟s trade relation with India. Also, it had been stressed
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that Indians need a printing press so that they will be aware of the present political
scenario, especially the policies of the company. The Company officials realised that
William Bolts will highlight their illegal policies. Therefore, he was forced to return
to England.20
However, the struggle for publication of newspapers in India was finally
succeeded after James Augustus Hicky started Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General
Advertiser in 1780. This newspaper highlighted trade and political policies of the

20
Abdul Salam Khursheed, Sahafat- Pakistan wa Hind Main, Majlis Tarki Qilab Road, Lahore, 1963,
pp. 22-23.

6
 Introduction

company. It was also known as Hicky’s Gazette. He was not satisfied with
Government. Therefore, trough his newspaper he launched attacks was made on some
members of the European community and high officials like Warren Hastings and
Elijah Impey. Meanwhile, two businessmen namely B. Messink and Peter Reed
initiated Indian Gazette.21
By 1785, the first newspaper Madras Courier came into existence in the
Madras presidency. It was owned by Richard Jhonson, who got an official recognition
of this newspaper. Another newspaper was started here namely the Madras Gazette
by R. Williams. On this newspaper, the first censorship was introduced in 1795 when

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the required scrutiny was not received by the Government. Similarly, in Bombay

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presidency, the first newspaper was Bombay Herald, that came into existence in

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1789.22

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Though the progress of Hindi press was slow, numerous newspapers were
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published in Hindi. The first newspaper was Udant Martand (Calcutta, 1826). Other
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newspapers in the Hindi language were Arya Darpan (Shahjahanpur), Kayastha
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Samachar (first caste newspaper started in 1878 at Allahabad), Dinkar Prakash (Babu
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Ramdas Verma, Lucknow) etc.23

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The Urdu press has its significance in the history of the Indian press. The
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Muslim reformer Sir Syed Ahmad has been credited to a revival of the Urdu language
br

in a later half 19th century, who started Tehzibul Ikhlaq in 1864. The other prominent
Li
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journals of the time were Owadh Akhbar, Maraqqa-i-Tehzib, Akhbar-i-Tamanna,

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Anwar-ul-Akhbar, Punch, Mashir-i-Qaisar of Lucknow. Circulations of newspapers

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from Meerut were Akhbar-i-Alam, Najm-ul-Akhbar, Lawrence Gazette and Shahna-i-

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Hind. It is a fact that these Urdu journals were most of the times of moderate opinion.
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However, on the occasions of racial discrimination and mal-administration they did

not hesitate to point out a fault in the governing system.24
The Vernaculars included such newspapers as Digdarshan, Sambad Kaumudi,
Rast Guftar, and Bombay Samachar. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) fettered the

21
Ibid., p. 27.
22
J. Natarajan, History of Indian Journalism, Publication Division Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting Government of India, New Delhi, 1953, p. 6.
23
Kirti Narain, Press, Politics and Society: Uttar Pardesh (1885-1914), Manohar Publisher and
Distributors in association with the Book Review Literary Trust, New Delhi, 1998, pp. 21-22 (Italics
mine).
24
Ibid., pp. 22-23.

7
 Introduction

Indian press. It was repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon, who tried to fulfil the
expectations of the local press. During his tenure, the national awakening had
widened its base and had spread and had imbibed among the young blood of Indians,
particularly among educated Bengalis. Meanwhile, one of the prominent newspapers
tiled Amrit Bazar Patrika came into existence. This newspaper expressed resentment
against differentiation, created by the Vernacular Press Act 1878 between Indians and
Englishmen.25 Other political-religious newspapers that had sown and preached anti-
British sentiments were Muhammad Ali‟s Comrade and Hamdard, Abul Kalam
Azad‟s Al Hilal and Zafar Khan‟s Zamindar etc.26 The Akhbar-i-Anjuman-i-Punjab

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and Punjabi Akhbar from Punjab were two prominent local papers.27

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Several English language newspapers and journals appeared in variant parts of

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the country. Prominent among them were Calcutta Morning Post, Bengal Harkaru,

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Friend of India, Hindu Patriot etc. The proprietors and editors of the English
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newspapers under European management were generally sympathetic towards the
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native press at least before the outbreak of the revolt of 1857. Besides, the English
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press under European management played a prominent role in educating and giving a
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lead to the national press.28 Other prominent newspapers that played important role
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were Mirat-ul-Akhbar, Jam-i-Jahan Numa, East India, Bombay Times (later Times of
y,
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India since 1861), Indian Mirror, Bangalee etc.

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While most of the times the Press suffered through the censorship of the
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government owing to the growing nationalism, different Acts were passed in respect
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of freedom of the press from time to time. In a true sense, however, freedom of
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expression was restored only after independence (1947). It was on the establishment
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of the Constituent Assembly that the „freedom of expression and thought‟ as a

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fundamental right of every Indian as acknowledged.29

25
Ibid.
26
Ibid., p. 28.
27
M. Javid Akhtar, Azra Asghar Ali, Shahnaz Akhtar, “The Role of Vernacular Press in Subcontinent
During British Rule: A Study of Perceptions,” Political Journal of Social Science, Vol. 30, No. 1,
(September 2010), pp. 80-81.
28
Mrinal Kanti Chanda, History of English Press in Bengal 1780-1857, K P Bagchi and Company,
New Delhi, 1987, pp. Xxi-xxiii (Italics mine).
29
Mohammad Tariq, Modern India, Mcgraw Hill Education, New Delhi, 2015, p. 4.12.

8
 Introduction

In respect of Princely States, the British Indian Press was an instrument to

check on the princes because of its wide influence.30 Yet, by and large, there was no
effective press or public opinion in the states and their affairs could not be discussed
in the legislature of British India. The residents, therefore, decided to set up
institutions of their own to voice their feelings and ventilate their grievances.31

II. History of Press in Jammu and Kashmir:

In respect of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no doubt in
saying that the British Indian press influenced the public opinion for several decades.

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Mulk Raj Saraf and other educated youth, who studied outside State, were influenced

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by the Indian nationalism. Saraf, it must be noted, studied at the Lahore University

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(Punjab). The region being the hub of political activism inspired Saraf into thinking

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the establishment of the same institution in his own state. Therefore, he left studies
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and had the honour to start the first public newspaper namely the Ranbir (1924) after
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a long struggle for it.32
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If we look at the history of press in Jammu and Kashmir, it has got a

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chequered history. In the year 1867 pro-government weekly Bidya Bilas was started
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in the state.33 During the early decades of twentieth century no publication was
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allowed. We have discussed above that in 1924 first public newspaper Ranbir was
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started. However, some magazines were issued but these could not continue possibly
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due to the discouragement by the state authorities. During this period the voice of
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Kashmir was raised by the newspapers of Punjab.

na

Meanwhile, the introduction of modern education, Kashmiri youth was

la
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influenced of liberal ideas mostly available in the English literature. It seems that
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political movements for liberation in the rest of India influenced the young generation

30
On 9th May 1930, the self-explanatory order by the Maharaja Hari Singh (1925-1947) had assumed
importance. He had bringing into sharp focus that the fear of the British government instilled in the
mind of the ruler who, for his part, would prove his loyalty by banning publication of the newspapers
in Jammu and Kashmir even for non-existent grounds. More details see, Lala Mulk Raj Saraf, Insaniyat
Abhi Zindah Hai: Mari Pakistan Yatra, Raj Mahal Publishers, Jammu, 2004, p. 40.
31
R. L. Handa, History of Freedom Struggle in Princely States, Central News Agency, New Delhi,
1968, p. 126.
32
G. D. Chandan, Urdu Sahafat Ka Safar, Educational Publishing House, New Delhi, 2007, pp. 236-
237.
33
Khalid Mahmood and Sarwarul Huda, Urdu Sahafat: Mazi aur Haal, Maktaba Jamia, Aligarh, 2012,
p. 121.

9
 Introduction

of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.34 Because of development of the modern

education in the state people became aware about their fundamental rights. 35 As a
result, press also got advantage or in other words we can say that these developments
facilitated the growth of Press in Kashmir.
It was during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh, who brought the Press and
Publication Act in April 1932 to facilitate the publication of newspapers in his own
territories.36 In the wake of the launching of the resistance movement, there was a
greater inclination towards setting up newspapers. During the years 1932 to 1947,
there was unprecedented growth of local newspapers. They played important role in

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the dissemination of modern concepts of democracy, secularism, and socialism among

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the state subjects. Meanwhile, different socio-political organizations were formed.

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Among them the most significant one was the Muslim Conference under Sheikh

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Mohammed Abdullah, which was later changed into National Conference.37

lim
us
On the eve of the partition of India (1947), the state press suffered due to
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political turmoil. There was a transfer of power in the state; monarchical form of
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government was changed into democracy. It is very ironical that the people, who
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fought for the freedom of thought and expression, gloated over their democratic
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credentials after coming to power and the case of freedom of press was ignored. The
y,
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attitude of the government under Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (1948-1953) and

br

Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad (1953-1963) was not good towards liberation of press.38
Li
d

It seems that the freedom of press, as understood by the common usage of the term,
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was unknown in the immediate post-accession era. Apart from numerous restrictions
na

on the Press in general, the government had given reservation to some newspapers.
la
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Therefore, newspapers were divided into two categories i.e. the white list and black
M

list. The government press notes and advertisements were reserved only for white list.
The result was that these privileges were available only to the pro-government papers.
This approach of government retarded the growth of the press because private

34
F. No. 26-1916, Home Department, National Archives of India, New Delhi. Also see P. N. K.
Bamzai, Cultural and Political History of Kashmir, Vol. III, M D Publications Ltd, New Delhi, 1st ed.
1994, pp. 717-718.
35
F. No. 32-1914, Home Department, National Archives of India, New Delhi.
36
Laws of Jammu and Kashmir, Vol. II. Government Press, Srinagar, Third Edition, 1971 A.D. p. 739.
37
Prem Nath Bazaz, The History of Struggle for Freedom in Kashmir, Gulshan Publishers, Srinagar,
Second ed. 2003, p.141.
38
Ibid. p. 354

10
 Introduction

advertisement was unknown and journalists depended upon government

advertisements to keep their profession of journalism alive.39
However, it was under the liberal policy of the Chief Minister Ghulam
Mohammad Sadiq that journalists took a sigh of relief. They started to express their
thoughts relatively freely.40 Subsequently, a setback to the press came in the wake of
the insurgency in 1989. It was a very critical phase for journalists.

A Brief Outline of the Chapters:

In the first chapter, an attempt has been made to discuss the antecedents of the

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press in Jammu and Kashmir. Publication of newspapers was not allowed by the

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government. Because of non-existence of local press, outside newspapers, particularly

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those from Punjab entered clandestinely into the State. Many newspapers dedicated

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their columns towards the cause of Kashmiris. The prominent among them
us
were Kashmir Gazette, Kashmiri Magazine, Kashmir, Nizam, Mazloom-i-Kashmir,
M
Zamindar, Inquilab, Paisa Akhbar, Milap, Pratab, etc. They became a voice of
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common masses and helped craft the political scenario of the State. The event of
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13th July 1931 was particularly highlighted by the Punjab press which exerted much
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pressure on the government. Consequently, it assisted in fostering the authority to

y,
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make some reforms in the administration.

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The second chapter mainly deals with the laws passed with regard to the press
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from time to time in the 20th century. It appears fascinating to have a comprehensive
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study of the numerous Press Acts of the monarchical form of government. The study
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of recommendations of the authority for the check and balance of press are the main
la
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concern of this chapter.

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In the third chapter, the main focus has been drawn on the local press. The
beginning of the pro-Government publications like Bidhya Bilas, Ranbir etc. and their
role has been highlighted in this chapter. It was actually from the fourth decade of the
20th century that the local newspapers began to bloom which will be discussed in the
thesis. The approach of Maharaja Hari Singh towards press was has been also
described in the said chapter after the change in socio-political narratives of the state

39
Muhammad Yousuf Saraf, op. cit., p. 584.
40
Raseed Taseer, Naqoosh-i- Sahafat, Tarikh-i-Sahafat, Jammu Kashmir, Muhafiz Publishers,
Srinagar, 1989, p. 223.

11
 Introduction

in the post- Glancy Commission (1932) era. Description of the press and draft on
newspapers as per census 1941 has been highlighted in this chapter.
Similarly, the fourth chapter is mainly concerned with the conditions of the
press on the eve of partition. It was a period of political turmoil and therefore critical
for journalism, owing to the first Indo-Pak war (1948). The papers which started their
publication were immediately stopped after they attained their political motives. They
were: Jamhoor, Kashmir Mail, Srinagar, Khidmat etc. The present study has
discussed the policy of Government towards the press during the reign of the first
three Prime Ministers i.e. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah (1948-1953), Bakshi Ghulam

ity
Muhammad (1953-1963), Ghulam Muhammad Sadiq (1964-65; C.M. from 1965 to

rs
ve
1971).

ni
In the fifth and last chapter of the thesis, enlightened intervention of the

U
lim
foreign and national journalists have been studied. It reveals that the State of Jammu
us
and Kashmir came into the world focus. Besides, the role of the local press and
M
repercussions of insurgency 1989 on the press have been also studied.
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A
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za
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au
M

12