Srinagar I March 20, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared that the Press Club in Srinagar, a vital institution for the region’s journalists, will be re-established, signalLing a renewed commitment to press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement, made during a session in the Legislative Assembly, comes as a significant step toward reviving a space that has been closed since January 2022 under the previous administration.
The Kashmir Press Club , once a bustling hub for media professionals in Srinagar, had its registration put in abeyance by the J&K administration three years ago, leaving the summer capital without a dedicated press facility. Speaking on the matter, CM Abdullah emphasised the importance of a vibrant press for democracy. “We want a thriving media in J&K. The Press Club in Jammu is operational, but Srinagar has been without one. We will take concrete steps to re-establish it,” he stated, echoing sentiments from his budget speech earlier this month where he first hinted at the revival.
The decision has been met with enthusiasm from the journalistic community, which has long sought a space to engage, collaborate, and address professional challenges. Abdullah’s announcement builds on his administration’s broader pledge to strengthen press infrastructure and protect journalists’ rights, a promise he reiterated during the Assembly session. “This is about providing a dedicated platform for the media to contribute meaningfully to public discourse,” he added.
The re-establishment of the Srinagar Press Club aligns with the National Conference-led government’s efforts to address long-standing grievances since assuming power in October 2024. While specific timelines and details for the re-establishment remain under discussion, the move is seen as a positive signal amid ongoing debates about media freedom in the Union Territory.
The closure of the KPC in 2022 had drawn criticism from press bodies, with many viewing it as a setback for independent journalism in the region. Today’s announcement, made on March 20, 2025, at 5:43 PM IST, offers hope for its restoration, potentially revitalizing Srinagar’s media landscape under Abdullah’s leadership.