No local newspaper published, 6 more mediapersons injured by CRPF

Srinagar, Aug 25 (UNI) No local newspaper was published today due to indefinite curfew since yesterday morning, while all the local television channels remained off the air for the second day today.

Meanwhile, six more mediapersons were beaten up by the CRPF men when they were performing their duties today.

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

We could not distribute our newspapers yesterday because of sudden announcement of curfew by the authorities, they said.

About 40 newspapers are published in the valley daily.

All the local channels remained off the air, in protest against the District Magistrate's order, directing them not to telecast news and current affairs programme.

However, official spokesman said the channels were issued notices not to telecast any such news or any other item which could vitiate the law and order situation and inflame passions with a view to fuel public disorder.

Refusing to honour the curfew passes issued by the authorities, CRPF men again beat up about half a dozen mediapersons, including UNI photo journalist Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad.

Mr Fayaz, who was taking photographs of curfew restrictions at Kaksarai area in down town when a group of CRPF men beat him up with lathis and kicked him. The CRPF personnel said they do not accept any pass issued by the Kashmir Government. Another local journalist, Omar Ganaie was also beaten up by the CRPF personnel at the same place.

The matter was brought into the notice of senior CRPF officers who promised to look into the matter.

Yesterday, CRPF men beat up about a dozen mediapersons and damaged about half a dozen vehicles of journalists in the city.

UNI BAS RSA BD1130