Srinagar (Jammu Kashmir): Three journalists, including ETV Bharat reporter, were beaten up by the security forces on Thursday in Srigufwara area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district. The trio was covering the fifth phase of maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
"I along with two other journalists, Mudasir Qadri (News 18) and Junaid Rafique (Punjab Kesari), were beaten by the police while we were performing our professional duties," Fayaz Ahmad Lolu, a reporter for ETV Bharat in Anantnag, said.
He further said, "I took the byte of a local Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) candidate who was claiming to have not been allowed to cast his vote. And when I contacted the police for the official version, we were beaten by them. Police have also seized our equipment."
"During the incident, Junaid got unconscious and has been hospitalized at Srigufwara hospital," he added.
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Meanwhile, SSP Anantnag Sandeep Chaudhary and DC Anantnag KK Sidda did not answer the phone calls despite repeated attempts by ETV Bharat.
Commenting on the incident, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that he will ascertain the facts and also assured action in the case.
The Kashmir Press Club condemned the thrashing of three journalists by the police in South Kashmir.
In a statement issued, the Kashmir Press Club stated, "This incident is unfortunate and calls for a thorough inquiry. We hope strict action is taken against those found guilty in this act perpetrated in utter disregard of the freedom of the press. We urge the Chief Electoral Officer to take note of such incidents and initiate action against the concerned police official."
Meanwhile, speaking about the assault, senior journalist and former press club president Sohail Kazmi said, "This is a shameful incident that media representatives were roughed up by police personnel the fifth phase of maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections. The people who are informing others about the elections, they should not be treated like this."
"Media acts as a bridge between government and people and the government of India is conducting DDC elections for the people. I strongly condemn such kind of incidents and urging the government to take some steps regarding the same," Kazmi said.
"Now this is the time for unity. Every journalist should raise their voice against police brutality and condemn this issue. If the media persons are not safe here, then who will trust the administration? Since the '90s, our journalist is facing such kind of brutalities. many journalists died after being assaulted by police. But during the election, this issue has made clear that Kashmir is unsafe for media persons," he added.
