Only one journalist questioned, two others booked for posting ‘seditious texts’ on social media: IGP

Srinagar, Apr 23 (GNS): Police on Thursday said only one journalist has been questioned about his work while the two others have been booked for posting “seditious” texts on social media.

IGP Kashmir in a statement said that before making “broad generalisations” that the freedom of press is being curtailed, people should ascertain the facts.

“Only one journalist has been questioned about a journalistic work as only one FIR of instigating people for violence has been registered over an encounter in Shopian at PS Anantnag,” IGP said, adding, “Remaining two persons have not been booked for any journalistic work but because of the reason that they have posted explicitly seditious, incendiary and incriminating texts on social media, challenging sovereignty and integrity of India and attempting to instigate people for violence.”

IGP said that one of them in the recent days has also met him along with 3-4 members of Kashmir Press Club Srinagar and accepted the mistake claiming ignorance of the relevant law and assured not to repeat the same in future. An impartial investigation will take place, he said.

“Regarding the other person who has additionally been booked there are written complaints as he has exposed life of some peaceful and law abiding citizens to grave risk by posting incriminating and provocative adjectives against them on social media platforms like FB and Twitter,” IGP said. “The content of these specific complaints discloses a criminal act and law will take its course and the written complaints against this individual will be investigated as mandated by law.”

IGP said that “J&K Police has always maintained highest regard for freedom of press”

“Media persons and other relevant organisations are expected to issue statements only after ascertaining the facts,” he said. (GNS)