SRINAGAR: Even as Agriculture Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone dismissed the charge of using his security personnel to manhandle a scribe, journalists in Kashmir Valley on Tuesday staged a protest against the incident and demanded stern action against the escort personnel.
Dozens of journalists, working for various local and national media houses, held the protest near the Press Colony here after Javaid Malik, who works for a leading local English daily here, was allegedly beaten by some guards of the minister.
Holding placards that read “Solidarity with Javaid Malik”, “End VIP culture” and “CM must break his silence”, the journalists demanded action against the accused and resignation of the minister.
The journalists were supported by independent MLA from Langate, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, members of a trade organisation Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) and some separatist groups.
They also held a peaceful sit-in at the commercial hub, Lal Chowk.
Meanwhile, denying the charges, the minister has expressed willingness to tender an apology.
“I have all the respect for the general public and for the journalists in particular as I have myself edited a daily newspaper. And, if at all, the sensitivities of them are hurt, I am willing to tender my apology for the alleged act committed and as reported,” Lone said in a statement here.
The minister said the story carried by Greater Kashmir about journalist Javaid Malik having been allegedly thrashed by his security guards has come as a shock and surprise to him.
“The fact is that a red car swiveled and slam-stopped in front of my vehicle and the driver of the vehicle rushed towards my car and tried to open the window of my vehicle.
“He was stopped by the security guards and taken to police station, Chanapora. I strongly deny my involvement in the alleged episode and have no objection if the journalist so desires to initiate inquiry and to ascertain facts,” the minister said.
He said the security guards do not carry orders from any minister or VIP whom they escort but follow their own protocol.
“There is no question of my having used my security at any point of time in my long political career for any misconduct or any such alleged act. We uphold the dignity and honor of our people and it has never been our style to function as viceroys or dictators,” he added.
Malik had yesterday alleged that he was thrashed by the cops for objecting to lewd remarks passed at the his wife by one of the guards.
“I and my wife were going to buy vegetables from the local market when the minister’s cavalcade started honking relentlessly at Bagh-e-Mehtab. I allowed the cavalcade the right to passage as soon as possible,” Malik said.
He alleged that some guards of Lone, who was also sitting in one of the vehicles, argued with him over the delay in giving passage to the cavalcade.
“As they were leaving, one of the guards passed some lewd remarks at my wife. I gave a chase to the minister’s cavalcade and wanted to bring it to his notice,” the journalist said.
He claimed that as he walked towards Lone’s vehicle to bring the matter to his notice, the guards pounced on him and thrashed him.
“The guards were so rude. They kept on beating me despite my wife pleading before them,” Malik said