Observing loopholes in some of the sections of the media in his area, Arawat Mehraj, a 24-year old journalist from Old Town Baramulla in Kashmir, got inspired to correct them by joining the journalism journey.
In an exclusive conversation with The Chenab Times, Mehraj said, “I have lived in the conflict and was interested in watching the news since school time, but I found there were certain loopholes like blackmailing by the media section which needed to be corrected. That’s why I chose journalism.”
“I started this journey with the local dailies in 2016 and was inspired by various national and international journalists, including Danish Siddiqui,” he added.
While stepping towards national media, Mehraj said that he worked as a stringer for India TV and then worked with some local news portals in Kashmir.
In 2017, when Indian TV news channel Republic TV was launched, Mehraj joined the channel, and he is currently working there. He covered his first story when a Sarpanch was abducted by militants and released in North Kashmir. After Sarpanch’s release, Mehraj interviewed him at his home.
Interviewing the top officials
Mehraj said, “I got an opportunity to interview top officials like DP Pandey, DGP Dilbagh Singh, and others, which made me more interested in continuing in this field.”
He is one of the journalists from Kashmir reporting on the LoC and about the civilians issues in bordering areas like Kupwara and Uri.
The Chenab Times News Desk