“They slapped me and dragged me on the road”: Two journalists allege assault by police

Srinagar: Two photojournalists were allegedly assaulted by police after protests erupted following the culmination of Friday congregation prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta in Central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

The two photojournalists — Shafat Farooq, working as a cameraperson for BBC, and Saqib Majeed, a freelance photographer — said that many media persons had gathered outside Jamia Masjid as protests erupted ahead of the anticipated release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

“We were carrying out our professional duties. However, a police party chased us, and one of them caught me by my collar, slapped me several times and even dragged me on the road”, Saqib, who also happens to be a recipient of Wisden MCC Photograph of the Year Award, said.

Shafat Farooq alleged that he too was manhandled by some police personnel. “I was hit with a gun butt in my back by the police while they chased us away from the site”, Bhat said.

However, police could not be contacted for comments. (GNS)