SRINAGAR: Freelance reporter Ahmer Khan was named the winner of the 2019 Agence France-Presse Kate Webb Prize on Thursday for his coverage on the ground in occupied Kashmir during Delhi’s lockdown of the disputed region. The award, named after one of AFP’s finest correspondents, recognises journalism by locally hired reporters in Asia operating in risky or difficult conditions. India’s Hindu-nationalist government-imposed restrictions on movement and a communications blackout, virtually cutting occupied Kashmir off from the outside world. The removal of autonomy and subsequent crackdown in occupied Kashmir, however, drew international criticism, and diplomats from several countries say they have raised human rights concerns with India’s foreign ministry. “Reporting from Kashmir at this time has been extremely challenging for everyone, including the established foreign media,” said AFP’s Asia-Pacific regional director Philippe Massonnet.

Source: Pakistan Today February 20, 2020 06:00 UTC