Controversy Erupts as J&K Police Summon Journalists Over Mosque Profiling Report
Image Source: Internet
A growing controversy has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir, where local journalists have been summoned by the police for questioning over a recent news report on the profiling of mosques and imams in the region. The move has sparked widespread criticism from various political parties, with many terming it an overreach and a challenge to the freedom of the press. Several national media outlets have reported that their reporters have been called to the Cyber Police Station in Srinagar for inquiries linked to the January 13 news report. The police have cited the busting of a "white collar terror module" last year as the reason for initiating the profiling exercise, which includes collecting details of mosques, madrasas, and imams. Journalists have reported being questioned on routine reporting and some have been asked to sign bonds or undertakings. A national daily reporter was reportedly summoned for three consecutive days, while a Hindustan Times reporter was told that the reason for the summons would be revealed upon appearance before the police. The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdi did not respond to phone calls or text messages seeking comment. Despite the police's failure to issue a formal statement, the administrative action has provoked criticism from across the political spectrum, except for the BJP. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, condemned the action, saying it was unacceptable in a democracy. The Peoples Conference chairman, Sajjad Gani Lone, termed the police intervention "reprehensible," questioning why reporters should face summons for doing a story based on facts. Other parties, including the CPI(M), J&K Congress, and National Conference, have also expressed their concerns over the summoning of journalists. They have raised questions about the space for independent journalism in the region and have called upon the Centre to issue clear guidelines preventing the summoning or questioning of journalists for routine and lawful reporting. The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, has supported the police move, terming it in the national interest. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between law enforcement and press freedom in the region.
