Srinagar 10 December (KNB): The Kashmir Press Club strongly condemns the thrashing of three freelance journalists, who work as stringers for various news organisations, by the police in South Kashmir.
A statement issued to Kashmir News Bureau said that the incident took place when three freelance journalists were covering the ongoing DDC elections in the area this morning.
“In a distress call to the club by Fayaz Lolu, who works as a stringer with ETV Bharat stringer, told the Kashmir Press Club management that he along with two other Journalists Mudasir Qadri (stringer with News 18 Urdu) and Junaid Rafiq (TV 9) were “beaten” today while covering the ongoing DDC elections in Srigufwara area of South Kashmir,” Club officials said.
Fayaz further said that the police also seized his news gathering equipment’s.
Fayaz Lolu alleged “it was when the SSP of Anantnag arrived on the spot that they were beaten up ruthlessly and taken to the nearest police post,” adding that Junaid has been injured and was in hospital.
The Kashmir Press Club terms 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,” they said.
The KPC further urges the Chief Electoral Officer to take note of such incidents and initiate action against the concerned police official.
“The authorities should ensure that an enabling atmosphere is created for the free and fair functioning of the media in Kashmir,” Club officials said. (KNB)