India, Feb. 3 -- The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) on Monday condemned the recent summoning of journalists by the Jammu and Kashmir police for their "routine, fact-based reporting".
"Summoning journalists for routine, fact-based reporting not only undermines their constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, but creates a chilling effect on independent journalism," the INS said in a statement here.
It said that a free and fearless press in the country is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy.
"Any arbitrary action by the law enforcement authorities that instils fear among the journalists weakens the entire institutional structure," the INS said.
The society urged the authorities to adhere to law in all interactions with t...