J&K Police chief regrets manhandling of photojournalist

Jammu and Kashmir Police chief S.P.Vaid on Tuesday said that he regretted the recent incident when a police officer physically prevented a senior photojournalist from covering separatist protests in Srinagar.

Vaid added that the J and K Police in consultation with the media fraternity intended to provide special identification badges for photo journalists working in the field so that they are facilitated in performing their professional duties.

In a statement in Jammu, the J&K Police chief lauded the media-police relations, saying that the two institutions have been working in complete harmony and in a spirit of camaraderie amid challenging situations.

"It is heartening that the media and the police are performing their professional responsibilities by understanding each other fully, even at times when the situation unfolds numerous challenges", Vaid said.

He appreciated the approach of the media in meeting the challenges confronting the state on various fronts.

Saying that it was an "isolated incident", the DGP hoped that it would not come in the way of synergized approach of the law enforcing agency and the media fraternity. He also said the matter was being looked into.

The Kashmir Editors Guild on Saturday announced boycott of police functions and police statements as a mark of protest against the manhandling of photojournalist Tauseef Mustafa by a police officer in Hyderpora area of Srinagar.

The photojournalist working for AFP news agency was covering a separatist protest when he was physically prevented by a police officer from discharging his professional duties.

Taking suo moto cognizance of the incident, the Press Council of India has issued a notice to the state home commissioner, the state police chief and the superintendent of police of Srinagar.

--IANS

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