DGP orders action against police officer who assaulted journalists

SRINAGAR — DGP Dilbag Singh ordered immediate action against a police officer for “undesirable behaviour” a day after journalists were assaulted by police while performing their professional duties here.

The DGP stated that he has taken serious note of some policemen’s inappropriate behaviour with media persons in Srinagar yesterday.

The top police officer added that SSP Srinagar has been instructed to take prompt action against the erring police personnel.

On the 8th Muharram, J-K Police resorted to lathi charge against journalists reporting protests by Shia mourners at Lal Chowk. A photojournalist’s camera was also damaged.

The Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA) denounced the use of force by police on photojournalists, who were documenting the Ashoora procession as part of their professional duty.

The action, according to KPPA, was unwarranted and uncalled for, and it was really regrettable that the police were preventing photojournalists from fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

Former chief ministers including as Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have also condemned to the battering of journalists.

The journalists were beaten while they were covering the Muharram march in Dalgate and Lal Chowk areas of the city on Tuesday. However, the authorities thwarted the procession, injuring a large number of Shia mourners and police officers in the ensuing clashes.

In an attempt to prevent Shia mourners from carrying out the main march in commemoration of the Karbala martyrs, the authorities put restrictions in many parts of Srinagar.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in the battle of Karbala in Iraq on this day, along with his family and associates.

Restrictions were enforced in the Maisuma, Abi Guzar, TRC, Dalgate, Budshah Bridge, Gowkadal, and Kralkhud areas in anticipation of the Muharram procession from Abi Guzar.

Concertina wires were put on the entry and departure points of the Lal Chowk and Dalgate to prevent Shia mourners from entering the locations.

Shia mourners did, however, make it to Lal Chowk and Dalgate, where they attempted to carry out Muharram processions. Despite this, policemen reacted immediately and fired tear gas to disperse the mourning people. Cane charges were also deployed by police to disperse the mourners.

Witnesses stated that scores of mourners and police officers were injured during the confrontation, and that some of the mourners are indeed suffering from pellet injuries.

It is pertinent to state that the administration had announced, for the first time in 30 years, the Muharram procession will be permitted to take place this year.

Since 1989, the Muharram procession from Abi Guzar has been prohibited.