Concern of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)

From the newspaper reports, we came to know that on 22 March the police obstructed holding of the photography exhibition titled ‘Crossfire’ organized by Drik Picture Library. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses deep concern and condemns this incident.

Police source said the exhibition was not allowed to be held as permission was not sought from the concerned authorities. We feel, the logic given by the police is inconsistent with the principles of  democratic governance. Such undemocratic attitude of the government is a reflection of the government’s lack of respect for the rights of freedom of thought and conscience and freedom of expression which have been guaranteed in the constitution of the country.

We hope this government will refrain from showing intolerance like an undemocratic government and will encourage the culture of expressing difference of opinions. We have to remember that democracy does not merely mean change of regime by election; rather the responsibility of a true democratic government lies in nourishing and patronizing the culture of democracy and also in ensuring a conducive environment for that culture.