Union Minister for Information Broadcasting and Sports Anurag Thakur on Friday criticised the New York Times (NYT) for its opinion piece published on freedom of press in Kashmir.
In his recent tweet, Thakur said that some foreign media is nourishing a grudge against India and its democracy.
“Some foreign media nourishing a grudge against India & our PM Shri Narendra Modi have long been systematically trying to peddle lies about our democracy and pleuritic society. Freedom of Press in India is as sacrosanct as other fundamental rights,” said Thakur.
“New York Times had long back dropped all pretensions of neutrality while publishing anything about India. NYT's so called opinion piece on freedom of press in Kashmir is mischievous & fictitious published w/ a sole motive to spread a propaganda about India...…and its democratic institutions and values,” said Thakur in his tweet.
New York Times had long back dropped all pretensions of neutrality while publishing anything about India. NYT's so called opinion piece on freedom of press in Kashmir is mischievous & fictitious published w/ a sole motive to spread a propaganda about India…
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 10, 2023
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“This is in continuation with what NYT and a few other link-minded foreign media have been spreading lies about India and our democratically elected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji. Such lies can't last long,” he said.
He also added that Indians will not allow such mindsets to run their decisive agenda on India soil.
“Democracy in India and We the people are very matured and we don't need to learn grammar of democracy from such agenda driven media. Blatant lies spread by NYT abt press freedom in Kashmir is condemnable,” he said.
NYT opinion piece had criticised the PM Modi led government of "repressive media policies..intimidation of Kashmir media outlets" in Jammu and Kashmir.
"If Modi succeeds in introducing the Kashmir model of information control to the rest of the country, it won't be just press freedom that is at risk, but Indian democracy itself," read the NYT piece.
Meanwhile, while speaking to the media during the launch of Khelo India Dus Ka Dum event to mark International Women's Day, Thakur criticised Congress and Rahul Gandhi for spreading hate against the country.
“Congress should clarify its motive. Going abroad and defaming own country is the culture of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi must stop spreading hate,” Thakur told ANI.
Khelo India Dus Ka Dum event is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
"Empowering women through sports is the motive of this event. Participation of female players inKhelo India has increased from 1800 to 2700. I thank PM for increasing budget for sports," said Thakur.
