KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Responding to the news item carried by a section of the press regarding alleged misbehaviour by cops guarding Agriculture Minister with Javaid Malik, Senior Editor of a Srinagar based newspaper, the Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura Tuesday issued following statement.
“The story carried by GK about one journalist Javaid Malik having been allegedly thrashed by my security guards has come as a shock and surprise to me. The fact is that a red car swivelled and slam-stopped in front of my vehicle and the driver of the vehicle rushed towards my car and tried to open the window of my vehicle,” Hanjura said.
“He was stopped by the security guards and taken to police station, Chanapora. I strongly deny my involvement in the alleged episode and have no objection if the journalist so desires to initiate inquiry and to ascertain facts. Security guards do not carry orders from any Minister or VIP whom they escort, they follow their own protocol,” he said adding, “There is no question of my having used my security at any point of time in my long political career for any misconduct or any such alleged act. We uphold the dignity and honour of our people and it has never been our style to function as viceroys or dictators. I have all the respect for the general public and for the journalists in particular as I have myself edited a daily newspaper.”
Hanjura further said, “and, if at all, the sensitivities of them are hurt, I am willing to tender my apology for the alleged act committed and as reported.”
