Condemning the police assault on media persons covering a Muharram procession in Srinagar today, the Kashmir Press Club (KPC) has demanded action against the policemen involved in the incident.
Scores of media persons including photojournalists were thrashed by the men in uniform when they were performing their professional duties at Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar.
The journalists alleged that the policemen from Shergari Police Station beat them to the pulp without any provocation.
Videos of policemen thrashing media persons went viral on social media, drawing strong condemnation from various quarters including political and religious leaders.
Terming the police action as “unfortunate” and “uncalled for” the KPC in a statement said the media persons were only performing their duties.
The club has demanded action against the concerned policemen involved in the incident and urged the higher authorities in police to “sensitise their rank and file to respect the media freedom”.
“Police authorities need to respect the freedom of the press as enshrined under the Constitution and ensure strict disciplinary action against the guilty policemen involved in the incident,” the KPC said.
