Srinagar, Aug 17 : Police on Tuesday lathi-charged photojournalists as they were capturing latter’s action against the Moharram mourners who were trying to carry protests in defiance of the curbs imposed by the government at Jahangir Chowk here on Tuesday.
Reports reaching GNS that police deputed in the area targeted the journalists who were covering the protest amid curbs in the area as well in the adjoining areas on 8th of Muharram.
A police officer was seen in action leading the policemen in lathi-charging the journalists.
Even as it is yet to be ascertained what made the police attack journalists, the scribes however said the police action was sudden and that they were discharging their professional duties.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar took to twitter and said that while men in uniform respect the religious sentiments and practices, “it is also our joint responsibility to defeat the ill designs of vested interest who try to disturb peaceful atmosphere.”
“We #respect the religious #sentiments and practices of all but at the same time it is also our joint #responsibility to defeat the ill designs of vested interest who try to disturb #peaceful atmosphere,” IGP Kashmir said in the tweet.
Apparently the tweet was not context of action by police against journalists but protests being carried out by the Muharram mourners carrying banner and shouting slogans. No statement so far has been issued by the police regarding action by its men against the journalists.
Authorities have imposed strict restrictions in many parts of Srinagar and blocked roads to prevent processions on the 8th day of the Muslim month of Muharram.
Mourners would take out mourning processions during the month before 1990’s.
However, Muharram processions have been banned since. Earlier this month, there were reports that the processions would be allowed but not to be.
As a result of curbs at Dalgate, TRC, Lal chowk, Abi Guzar, Maisuma, Jahangir Chowk and other areas, normal life has been disturbed. (GNS)
