Journalists in held-Kashmir under Threat from Indian Army
'Pakistan Times' Kashmir Desk

SRINAGAR (IHK): In occupied Kashmir, the journalist community in Baramulla district has been scared by Indian troops and they are reluctant to discharge their professional obligations due to harassment.

Press persons working for various Srinagar based newspapers say they are constantly receiving life threats by the troops in case they publish anything exposing wrongs of the army. These threats are coming from Baramulla based 46 Rashtriya Rifles.

According to a statement sent to media by Baramulla based Journalists Association, this all started on Saturday May 19, when two Indian troops were killed in the main market of Baramulla.

Following the incident the troops launched a search operation in the area and during which they forcibly entered the house of one of the renowned journalists of the district, Ghulam Jeelani Baba and thrashed him and his family members. Baba was critically injured due to thrashing.

As per the statement, Altaf was targeted as he had earlier reported regarding the atrocities committed by an Indian army officer on civilians.

The coverage of the incident and ransacking of his house further agitated the said officer and he, according to the statement, dropped in the office of Altaf Baba and warned him and other journalists present there of severe consequences in the coming days.

Subsequently, the journalists met the Baramulla Deputy Commissioner who assured them of necessary action against in the matter.

Journalists from Sopore also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla and expressed solidarity with their Baramulla colleagues.

But so far, the statement says, no action has been taken to end the fear gripping the journalist community.●