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CPJ slams curbs on media in held-Kashmir

NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Tuesday condemned restrictions on media imposed by security forces trying to quell unrest in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).

According to international news reports, the Central Reserve Police Force beat up at least 10 journalists for reporting on Sunday, during a strict curfew imposed indefinitely on major towns in IHK to restrain anti-government protesters. The journalists were carrying official passes issued by the local government to guarantee them free passage during the curfew.

According to daily Asian Age reporter Yusuf Jameel, no newspapers were published in Srinagar on Tuesday due to the disruptions. The Associated Press reported that paramilitary forces had beaten two more news photographers. It reported that police had killed five people defying the curfew on Sunday and Monday.

Local authorities have also banned all news programmes on local TV channels, according to news reports. “We call on local authorities in Kashmir to protect journalists covering the unrest,” said CPJ Asia Programme Co-ordinator Bob Dietz, adding, “News about the conflict should be broadcast without restrictions on media outlets or reporters in the field.”

Jameel told the New York-based CPJ that although the curfew had been lifted and re-imposed once, authorities had informed journalists before Sunday’s attacks that their former curfew passes were still valid. He said fresh passes had been issued later, but added, “We’re not being allowed to move freely.”

Jameel said at least one of the journalists injured on Sunday, Bilal Bhat, was still being treated for a rib fracture at a hospital in Srinagar. Jameel said many Kashmiri residents were relying on national cable broadcasts and international radio stations for information on the unrest. pr

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