Mediapersons injured in clashes, news agency attacked

Srinagar, Jan 20 (UNI) At least six mediapersons were injured during clashes between a mob and police while six others of a local news agency were injured after mourners attacked their office at Hawal in the down town city, official sources said here today.

The mourners attacked the office of the Associated Press of India which was located in the area where a clash took place between people belonging to two muslim sects last night. The news agency is owned by a person belonging to one of the sects, the sources said.

An official of the news agency said a group of mourners entered their office last night and attacked them.

He said six officials, including Chief Editor Basharat Zargar, managing editor Ishrat Aziz, two computer operators and cameraman Marouf Abdullah were injured in the attack.

The mourners also ransacked the office, damaged office furniture, two vehicles and other valuables, the official added.

He said the incident had been brought into the notice of senior police and civil officials.

Other mediapersons were injured while they were covering the clashes.

The sources said at least six mediapersons, mostly photo journalists and videographers, representing different organisations were injured in stone pelting during a clash between a violent mob and police at Hawal and Gojwara.

The injured included JK-channel videographer Omar, IBN-7 videographer Muzamil, ANI videographer Aijaz, Rouf videographer of 24 news channel and firdous, the sources added.

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