KEG, KPC condemn thrashing of reporters in Anantnag

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Kashmir Press Club (KPC)

SRINAGAR — Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) on Thursday expressed its serious concern over the use of force against three freelance reporters, contributing to three TV channels, while covering the DDC polls in Anantnag.

As per a statement issued here, three TV freelancers Fayaz Lolu (ETV Bharat), Mudasir Qadri (News18 Urdu) and Junaid Rafiq (TV-9) alleged that they were beaten in Srigufwara in presence of the SSP. They said their equipment was seized and they were taken to the local police post.

“The Guild is surprised over the reason that the cops resorted to force when everything around was normal. The three TV reporters revealed that they had recorded a political activist’s complaint about the polling and were told by a duty officer that the SSP was on the way and wanted to give his version,” the statement said.

It added as the officer’s vehicle reached the spot, he avoided giving them a byte and instead started beating them. They said they were taken to the police station and their equipment was seized. During their stay in the station, one of them had a panic attack and was taken to the hospital, it added.

By now, the equipment has been returned to them and they have been sent home, the statement said.

KEG expressed concern over the recurrence of these incidents in which reporters are being subjected to violence while discharging their professional duties. “Apparently, there is no reason for today’s incident to happen. Why should a reporter be beaten when the officer has the right to not respond to a question?”

KEG hoped the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration will look into the incident and ensure that this practice of abuse of authority is put to an end.

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Press Club (KPC) strongly condemned the thrashing of three freelance journalists by the police in south Kashmir.

In a distress call to the club, Fayaz Lolu who works as a stringer with ETV Bharat told the Kashmir Press Club (KPC) management that he along with two other journalists Mudasir Qadri (stringer with News18 Urdu) and Junaid Rafiq (TV-9) were “beaten” today while covering the ongoing DDC elections in Srigufwara area of south Kashmir.

As per a statement, he also said that their news gathering equipments were also seized by the police.

Fayaz Lolu alleged that it was when the SSP of Anantnag arrived on the spot that they were beaten up ruthlessly and taken to the nearest police post. Fayaz further stated that Junaid has been injured and was in hospital.

The KPC termed this incident unfortunate and calls for a thorough inquiry into the incident.

“We hope strict action against is taken against those found guilty in this act perpetrated in utter disregard of the freedom of the press. The KPC further urges the Chief Electoral Officer to take note of such incidents and initiate action against the concerned police official,” the statement said.

The KPC further urged that the authorities should ensure that an enabling atmosphere is created for the free and fair functioning of the media in Kashmir.

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