Kishtwar, July 3: Alleging growing hostility towards journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, the journalist fraternity has strongly condemned the alleged assault on senior journalist Asif Iqbal Naik by a Junior Engineer of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) inside the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kishtwar, describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and accountability.
According to eyewitnesses and the victim, the incident occurred when Asif Iqbal Naik questioned NHIDCL Junior Engineer Basharat Hussain Najar about the allegedly deplorable condition of the drainage system along National Highway-244 passing through Kishtwar market and sought his response to allegations of corruption linked to the project.
Instead of responding to the queries, the engineer allegedly lost his temper, rushed towards the journalist and physically assaulted him in full public view. The victim also alleged that the officer abused him and used the word “Gujjar” in a derogatory manner during the altercation.
The entire incident, according to the journalist fraternity, was captured on camera. However, more than 15 hours after the alleged assault, no action had reportedly been initiated against the accused official, triggering widespread resentment among journalists.
Members of the journalist fraternity termed the silence of the administration “deeply disturbing” and alleged that repeated attacks and intimidation of media persons have emboldened officials who believe they can act with impunity. They said the failure to take prompt action has raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring their safety while performing their professional duties.
The fraternity also expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating dignity of professional journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the unchecked proliferation of self-styled social media operators posing as journalists has blurred professional standards and weakened institutional respect for senior media persons.
Demanding immediate action against the accused engineer, journalists urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to send a clear message that violence or intimidation against media professionals will not be tolerated. They also called for concrete measures to safeguard press freedom and ensure that journalists can question public officials without fear of assault or harassment.
Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, the assaulted journalist Asif Iqbal Naik said he would continue to pursue the issue and would not relent until the drainage system of Kishtwar market is properly overhauled and accountability is fixed.
The journalist fraternity has warned that if swift action is not taken against the accused official, it will be compelled to intensify its protest in defense of press freedom and the dignity of journalists across Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
