FIR against photo-journalist should be revoked: NC;
Press is lifeblood of democracy, must not be silenced: PC;
Intimidating Kashmiri Journalists not the way to solve K-issue: PDP
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police have booked twin journalists including a female freelance photojournalist for ‘fake news’ and objectionable posts on social media.
A female photo-journalist has been booked under unlawful activities (Prevention) Act for uploading anti-national posts with criminal intention to induce the young and to disturb public order.
“Yes, she has been booked for her Facebook posts that glorify militants. Her posts post threat to law and order and spread misinformation,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Cyber Cell Kashmir, Tahir Ashraf told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)
Police sources said that a case under FIR number 10/2020 under section 13 UA(P) act and 505-IPC stands registered with the Cyber Cell of police, Kashmir. Under IPC 505, a person can be booked for two years of rigorous imprisonment.
Later, a statement issued to KNO reads that an information has been received regarding a ‘fake news’ item published in the “The Hindu” newspaper by the journalist namely Pir Zada Ashiq, regarding an encounter at Shopian and subsequent developments.
“The details quoted in the news item were factually incorrect and could cause fear or alarm in the minds of public. The news published without seeking confirmation from the District authorities. In this regard, a case under FIR number 81/2020 was registered in Police Station Anantnag and the individual was called at Police Station Anantnag for questioning. The police is under duty and lawfully empowered under CrPC to call for questioning. The investigation in both the cases is in progress,” Police said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar appealed the members of journalist, media fraternity not to publish fake or fabricated news, which has bearing on security of the nation and which has the potential of causing social instability and can lead to law and order problem. He further appealed that any such information be clarified and confirmed before publication.
Meanwhile, many political parties have condemned the case against the female photo-journalist.
National Conference (NC) in a tweet said that the FIR filed against her must be revoked and invoking UAPA act against her is uncalled for and condemnable.
“Governments should stop treating it like one. Invoking #UAPA against Kashmiri photo journalist #MasratZahra is uncalled for, condemnable. A free press makes countries stronger & better. The FIR against her must be revoked,” NC tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference has called free press “lifeblood of democracy which must not be silenced.” “Is this the new state of affairs? Things weren’t too good in the old state of affairs either but attempts to silence the media were not as brazenly & shamelessly implemented. Free press is lifeblood of democracy, must not be silenced. We express our solidarity with Masrat Zahra”, Peoples Conference said in a statement.
PC General Secretary, Imran Reza Ansari also demanded that police must drop the charges against Masrat. “Case under UA(P)A against a female journalist Masrat Zehra seems to be an overreaction from government and as such should be dropped. Constitutional guarantees can’t be undone,” he added.
PC spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir also condemned the invoking of UAPA against Masrat and urged the authorities to drop charges against her.
“Hounding Masrat Zahra and booking her under unlawful activities act is a brazen attempt to thought police. The principles of ‘Naya Kashmir’ seem to be against the ethos & practices of democracy & free speech. It is condemnable,” he added.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a tweet also opposed the case filed against the photojournalist.
“In any democracy, Media is the 4th pillar of strength. What democracy is India shaping when it jails and blames a young, professional, woman photojournalist for capturing the most militarized zone in the world?,” PDP tweeted.
The party further stated that harassment to the journalists is unacceptable. “Intimidating Kashmiris Journalists is certainly not the way to solve the Kashmir issue. Harassment of those who risk their lives to report is unacceptable!,” PDP wrote.