United Nations: Condoling the death of an Indian journalist, who died in the crossfire while covering an incident in Kashmir, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has said the safety of media professionals is important for the democracy.

"The safety of journalists is a subject of paramount concern in any democracy," said Director-General Kochiro Matsuura of UNESCO, the UN agency mandated to defend freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

"It is essential that reporters be able to do their work and inform the public, even in areas of conflict. Their status as civilians must be respected," Matsuura said.

Ashok Sodhi, a journalist with 25-years of experience, died of bullet injuries sustained in a crossfire between security forces and militants while covering an ambush in Samba district of Jammu. He was working for the Daily Excelsior.

Source : PTI