Srinagar: Two days after booking two Kashmir journalists, J&K Police have registered another case against freelance journalist and author Gowhar Geelani for “indulging in unlawful activities by using social media.”
Gowhar Geelani is a freelance journalist and author of the book ‘Kashmir: Rage and Reason.’ He has worked as Editor with Voice of Germany and appears as a commentator in various TV debates.
In a statement, police said: “Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, has received information through reliable sources that an individual namely Gowher Geelani is indulging in unlawful activities through his posts and writings on Social Media platform which are prejudicial to the national integrity, sovereignty and security of India. The unlawful activities include glorifying terrorism in Kashmir Valley, causing disaffection against the country and causing fear or alarm in the minds of public that may lead to commission of offences against public tranquility and the security of State.”
“Several complaints have also been received against the said individual for threatening and intimidation,” said the statement. A Case FIR No. 11/2020 under the relevant sections of law has been registered at Cyber Police Station Kashmir and investigation initiated,” added the statement. The is 3rd such FIR registered against the media fraternity in last three days in Kashmir. Earlier, FIRs were registered in Cyber Police Station Srinagar and Police Station Anantnag. In those FIRs, freelance photojournalist Masrat Zahra and Peerzada Ashiq of The Hindu were booked and questioned.
Gowhar termed the FIR as “shocking.”
“This is beyond shocking that new and ugly pattern has started in Kashmir to hound and silence journalists,” he told that. “I am a published author and journalist for over 15 years who has reported the Kashmir conflict, German elections, European recession and other events globally with professionalism.”