Security forces in Kashmir on Wednesday barred scores of journalists, including the international press, from covering the Republic Day function in capital Srinagar. Later, Governor’s advisor K. Vijay Kumar said the matter “will be looked into”.
“It was really shocking that many photo journalists were barred from entering the R-Day venue. They were told that they have been blacklisted following their coverage of events in Kashmir. Two people are reputed and renowned and represent international organisations,” said Iran-based Press TV’s J&K correspondent Shahana Butt.
Those who were stopped included Tauseef Mustafa of Agence France Press, Danish Ismail of Reuters, Aman Farooq of Greater Kashmir, video journalists Umer Mehraj and Mehrajuddin of Associated Press.
The move sparked an immediate boycott of the function held at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. A protest rally was also held at Srinagar’s Press Enclave by the reporters against the restrictions.
This year, in an unprecedented move, security forces also called up the accredited reporters intending to cover the function for a background check. “It’s first time I was called up by the police. I was asked to furnish details of my organisation and background like the name of my father. This has never happened before,” a senior reporter with a reputed national television channel told The Hindu .
The Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) said the senior journalists were stopped despite having valid security passes. “The pretext that the police have got adverse verification report against them suggests that the security establishment wishes to frighten the media,” said a KEG spokesman.
Several other media organisations condemned the move. Several political parties, including National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and People’s Conference also took exception to the new security policy.
‘Will look into it’
Advisor to Governor K. Vijay Kumar said the issue would be looked into.
“The entire process of security clearance for issuance of passes to journalists shall be reviewed for better coordination in future. It has been given to understand that primarily the incident occurred because of the procedure followed by the police for issuance of security passes during such events,” said Mr. Kumar, who is incharge of State’s home department.
