Ishfaq gulzar CNI Srinagar, CNI NEWS Restrictions on the media and social media came under discussion in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, with Pulwama MLA Waheed Para voicing opposition to any move that could curb freedom of expression.Addressing the House, Para said democracy requires a free press and greater transparency, arguing that censorship weakens public scrutiny and limits the flow of information.“Democracy dies in darkness,” Para said, while recalling the communication shutdown imposed on August 5.

He said social media had served as a lifeline during that period, helping people remain connected with one another and with the outside world.“We need more transparency, more media and more freedom of expression, not more censorship,” Para said.He urged the government not to “gag the press” or “silence social media,” stressing that democratic institutions are strengthened through scrutiny and the presence of diverse voices.“We are already fighting for a free press. We must defend that freedom everywhere,” he said. CNI NEWS