Action Against J&K Cop Amid Anger Over Assault Of Journalists

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had criticised the action against journalists in Srinagar.

After several journalists were thrashed in Srinagar on Tuesday while covering Muharram processions, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today took action against a cop who led his team members while acting against the crowd at Jehangir Chowk. J&K's top cop had also criticised the actions, saying, "This is not acceptable". In photos and videos shared on social media, the cop was seen chasing away the journalists at Srinagar's Jehangir Chowk and thrashing them with a baton. A senior police officer said the Station House Officer has been removed from Shergari police station and shifted to district police lines. The incident has sparked huge criticism. "He's an independent photo-journalist. His camera is his livelihood. The administration owes it to Sajad to compensate him for the loss he has suffered while working," former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted while sharing photos of the incident. "Media is spending hours debating the human tragedy and unfolding crisis in Afghanistan but will they speak up for their own community in Kashmir who were beaten to pulp today by security forces for doing their job?" tweeted PDP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti along with the video that captures the chaos at Jehangir Chowk.