Army jawans rough up two scribes in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 3 (UNI) Two journalists from private news channels were allegedly thrashed by the Army personnel while they were trying to cover a fire incident inside a unit at Digiana in the city outskrits here today.

Both the journalists, identified as Mr Ajay Bachloo (from Star News) and Mr Neeraj Upadhayay (CNN-IBN), were detained by the Army personnel after they entered the unit, sources said.

Army personnel started thrashing both the journalists while they were being brought away from the spot, sources said.

Both the media persons were released after brief detention, they added.

However, camera and other equipment were retured to the journos after the intervention of senior officials.

There was huge smoke coming out of 20 JAK RIF's (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) unit area which had attracted the journalist for coverage.

At least four barrels carrying 800 liters of kerosene oil had caught fire due to short circuit at the Army unit, Defence spokesman Lt Col S D Goswami said.

The fire, which broke out at around 1330 hrs, was brought under control by 1415 hrs, he said.

Army has instituted a court of inquiry (CoI) to ascertain the facts in the fire, he said, asserting that the CoI will also probe into the manhandling of journalist by the Armymen.

Several passersby had also gathered in the area to witness fire-fighting.

UNI VJ AE HT1830