Srinagar: Two journalists, including a
Mexican national, were detained by security forces while
covering the clashes between police and stone-pelting
protestors in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar city.
Showkat Shafi, who contributes as a freelancer to
Al-Jazeera, and a Mexican photojournalist Narciso Contreras
were detained by police at Nowhatta as they were covering the
clashes between protestors and law enforcing agencies,
official sources said.
The scribes alleged that they were thrashed by CRPF and
police personnel and later taken to police station Nowhatta.
"We were released after five hours after being severely
beaten," Showkat told reporters.
However, police denied the allegations of beating up
the journalists but admitted that the scribes were asked to
leave the place as they could have "come in the harm?s way"
during the clashes.
A group of youth hurled stones at security forces at
Nowhatta and adjoining areas soon after the Friday
congregation at Jamia Masjid.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, August 20, 2011, 09:16