Centre to inquire into CRPF attack on media in Kashmir

New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) The Centre will hold an inquiry into the attack on mediapersons by the Central Resrve Police Force (CRPF) men when the former were performing their duty in Srinagar during the curfew.

The assurnace was given to reporters here by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.

''I will set up an inquiry,'' the Minister said when asked about his response to the incidents in the valley.

Mr Dasmunsi said he would also speak to the governor over the issue.

Yesterday, CRPF men had beaten up about a dozen mediapersons and damaged about half a dozen vehicles of journalists in the city. Six more mediapersons were beaten up by the CRPF men today when they were performing their duties during the curfew. The CRPF is reported to have refused to honour the media curfew passes.

Meawhile, all the local TV channels remained off the air, in protest against the order of the District Magistrate, directing them not to telecast news and current affairs programme.

The management of almost all the local English and Urdu Dailies decided not to publish todays' issue because of the indefinite curfew in the valley since 0400 hrs yesterday, a report from Srinagar said.

UNI NAZ SK VC1850