Minister denies his statement linked with Kashmir

New Delhi: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday rejected a news item which was carried in a section of media that the "biggest punishment" for people is not having means of communication and not being able to talk to anyone.

In a statement issued by I&B Ministry, it has been stated that the quote of Union Minister Prakash Javadekar is out of context. "The quote in question was given by the minister during the presentation of National Awards for Community Radio on Wednesday, wherein he was highlighting the power of communication and importance of community radio," the release said.

On the issue, Javadekar said, "Sections of media have unnecessarily attempted to link the situation in Jammu & Kashmir region with my comments about the significance of Community Radio and communication in general, which amounts to irresponsible and unethical journalism."

"What is the biggest punishment? When people are not able to contact any one, when they are not able to talk to anyone and when you do not have any tool to communicate...this is the biggest punishment," news agency quoted him as saying.

As per the news agency, the Union Minister had made this statement while speaking at the National Awards for Community Radio Community radio, he said, is the biggest tool of communication on Wednesday.

His comments came against the backdrop of the ongoing communication blockade in Kashmir, where internet and mobile services have been suspended for the last 22 days.