Srinagar Dec.10:(KNS) The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) today strongly condemned the thrashing of Journalists by forces while discharging their assigned duties during fifth phase of DDC Elections in South Kashmir.

The Party termed the incident as an attack on freedom of the press, seeking strict action against those responsible for thrashing Journos.

JKPCC President G.A. Mir while expressing anguish over thrashing of journalists Mudasir Qadri of News 18, Junaid Ahmad of TV 9 and Fayaz Ahmad Stringer of ETV Bharat, as reported, sought strict action against those responsible for this unfortunate incident of beating Journalists during fifth phase of elections.

The freedom of press should not be muzzled, journalists should be allowed to perform the duties, as guaranteed under the constitution of the country. The attack on them (Journalists) is bound to tarnish the image of the Govt.

The journalist fraternity in J&K have undergone tremendous hardships due to the ugliest situations, despite that, they remained committed in their resolve to bring the facts to fore, which is highly appreciable, should not be ignored, Mir. added

JKPCC President urged the Govt to identify the personnel responsible for thrashing journalists for strict action, besides ensuring that such shameful incidents will not happen in future. The freedom of press must be preserved, in true sense, he said. (KNS)