CRPF takes steps to prevent clash with media in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 1 (UNI) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will place a designated officer at locations of law and order deployment in the Kashmir valley to identify the mediapersons, co-ordinate and guide them to facilitate their task without falling into any conflict with the security forces.

CRPF spokesman Prabhakar Tripathi said the orders were issued by Inspector General A P Maheshwari after a jawan had ''mercilessly'' beaten up a photo-journalist during protests in the city on Friday.

Ram Niwas, a constable with the CRPF's 96 Battalion, was placed under suspension for beating up AFP photographer Sajjad Hussain during protests at Jamia Masjid here after Friday prayers.

Mr Hussain had sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura here where the doctors had declared his condition as critical.

Protests have erupted across Kashmir over a Delhi court order to hang till death Mohammad Afzal Guru, convicted in the December 13, 2001 parliament attack case, in Tihar jail on October 20.

Mr Tripathi said Mr Maheshwari, after seeing the video clippings of the incident, immediately placed the jawan under suspension.

Strong action would be taken against the platoon commander for his failure to control the personnel during protests, he added.

''We regret the unfortunate incident. The constable has been placed under suspension and departmental action initiated against him. It is also found that the command and control of platoon in-charge on the spot was not up to the mark and a disciplinary action is also contemplated against him,'' the spokesman said.

Mr Tripathi said the CRPF respects the mediapersons and wants to work hand in hand with them.

''Individual aberrations are condemnable. We have also taken action to prevent recurrence of such incidents,'' he added.

UNI AG VD RK1506