Freedom of press has not been curtailed, IGP on criticism over FIRs against journalists
Srinagar, Apr 23 : Reacting to criticism over filing of FIRs against three valley-based journalists this week, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that the freedom of press was not being curtailed.
The IGP Kashmir said that before making such broad generalisations, people should ascertain the facts.
Giving details, he said that only one journalist has been questioned about a journalistic work as only one FIR of instigating people for violence has been registered over an encounter in Shopian at Police Station Anantnag.
‘The remaining two persons have not been booked for any journalistic work, but because of the reason that they have posted explicitly seditious, incendiary and incriminating texts on social media, challenging sovereignty and integrity of India and attempting to instigate people for violence,’ Mr Kumar said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
He said one of them in the recent days has also met IGP Kashmir along with 3-4 members of Kashmir Press Club Srinagar and accepted the mistake claiming ignorance of the relevant law and assured not to repeat the same in future. The IGP assured that an impartial investigation will take place.
Mr Kumar alleged the other person, who has additionally been booked there are written complaints as he has exposed life of some peaceful and law abiding citizens to grave risk by posting incriminating and provocative adjectives against them on social media platforms like FB and Twitter. ‘The content of these specific complaints discloses a criminal act and law will take its course and the written complaints against this individual will be investigated as mandated by law,’ he said.
The IGP also reiterated that J&K Police has always maintained highest regard for freedom of press. ‘Media persons and other relevant organisations are expected to issue statements only after ascertaining the facts,’ he added.
Kashmir-based journalist Peerzada Ashiq, who works for ‘The Hindu’ was on Monday booked for allegedly publishing ‘fake news’ regarding an encounter and subsequent development in south Kashmir district of Shopian. On Monday, a Kashmir-based young woman photojournalist, Masrat Zahar, was also booked for uploading alleged ‘anti-national’ posts with criminal intention to induce the youth and to promote offences against public tranquility’ on Facebook.
Police on Tuesday booked a journalist, Gowher Geelani, in Kashmir valley for allegedly indulging in unlawful activities though his posts on social media.
The action by the police has drawn sever criticism by different sections of society, including politicians, media fraternity and common people. Soon after the FIRs, hashtags #IStandWithMasratZahra, #IStandWithPeerzadaAshiq, #IStandWithGowharGeelani started trending on Twitter.
Meanwhile, expressing concern, all political parties, including National Conference NC, PDP, JKAP, CPI (M) and PC have demanded withdrawal of cases against the journalists. Kashmir Press Club has also sought withdrawal of the cases and urged authorities to stop alleged harassment of media fraternity in the valley.