SRINAGAR, Jan 10, (Asia Free Press): The Kashmir Press Club (KPC) on Monday called for an immediate release of the journalist, Sajad Gul and urged the authorities to drop all the cases against him, according to local media.
In a statement, the KPC said that it was deeply disturbed by the arrest of Gul, who apart from contributing news reports from his area for an online portal, is presently pursuing Masters in Convergent Journalism from the Central University of Kashmir, reported Free Press Kashmir.
The Club urged the authorities to immediately drop the alleged charges against Gul for his journalistic work, adding that the FIR against him is purely aimed at “criminalizing” the reportage and journalistic work in Kashmir.
While expressing its concern over the “continuous harassment and threats” of legal action against journalists in Kashmir by the police authorities, the Club in its statement said that the “threats, summons and arrests” of the media persons have effectively restrained independent, free and investigative reporting from the region.
The Club demanded an immediate release and dropping of charges against Gul and also urged the authorities to create a favorable environment for journalists operating in Kashmir, “free from threats, summons and arrests”.
Gul was picked up from home in Shahgund village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora last Wednesday. On 8, January 2022, the Police in its statement said that he is in their custody. They further added that Gul had posted an “objectionable” video on his Twitter handle.
