KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Demanding resignation of PDP minister and suspension of cops involved in assault on scribe, scores of journalists Tuesday staged a protest against the thrashing of a senior scribe by the security circle of state Agriculture Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone.
Journalists working for various Srinagar, Delhi based and international media houses, held the protest at Mushtaq Enclave here after Javaid Malik, a senior editor at a local newspaper, was beaten by some guards of the minister.
Media personnel holding placards that read “Solidarity with Javaid Malik”, “End VIP culture” “Suspend cops involved in assault” and “CM must break his silence on the issue”, the journalists demanded action against the accused and resignation of the minister.
“The cops assault on journalist on the behest of minister. It is attack on fourth pillar of democracy. PDP in opposition was claiming high moral values and protection to media fraternity. What its minister has done has brought shame to whole PDP house,” said Sahil Nazir, executive editor CNS Urdu section.
“The silence of government on this grave issue is an indication that PDP has given free hand to its ministers to act as dictators. We want to remind it that we have democratic government and dictatorship will not be allowed,” said Ishtiyaq Kar, special correspondent KNS.
Arshid Mir, one of the senior journalists and editor of Kashmir Headlines said that in past many journalists were assaulted in past by the government forces.
“In the whole world, the media persons are free to work and write except in Kashmir. Let us see how PDP-BJP regime responses to the unfortunate incident of yesterday,” he added.
Senior correspondent GNS, Gowher Shah said that it was litmus test for Mufti-led government how they act against its minister.
Sanam Ajaz of JK Channel said that assault on women and beating of journalist ruthlessly is condemnable and unveils the face of accused minister.
The journalists were supported by independent MLA Langate, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, members of a trade organization Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Municipal Contractors Union, J&K Contractors Central Coordination Committee, Doctors Association Kashmir led by Dr GM Mir and some separatist groups.
Journalists from NDTV, CNN IBN, Press TV, Aaj Tak, Zee News, PTC News, JK Channel, Gulistan TV, ABP and others also participated in the peaceful protests, demanding immediate resignation of accused minister and suspension of cops involved in the assault. They also held a peaceful sit-in at the commercial hub, Lal Chowk.
Malik had yesterday filed a written application before police that he was thrashed by the cops for objecting to lewd remarks passed at his wife by one of the guards of accused minister.
