Excelsior photojournalist ‘beaten’ by forces in Shopian

Srinagar:  A photojournalist working with a Jammu based English daily on Thursday was allegedly assaulted by forces in Pinjoora area of south Kashmir’s district.

Reports reaching GNS said that Excelsior photojournalist Sajad Ahmad Dar, who was returning to Anantnag district after covering a gun-battle between militants and the forces in Pinjoora area of Shopian, was allegedly beaten up and his cameras damaged by the CRPF troopers and police, when the area was witnessing massive demonstrations against the militants killings. Due to the alleged beating, Dar also suffered injuries in his hand.

“I was returning from the encounter site when the forces grabbed me and beat me mercilessly. They also damaged my cameras,” Dar told GNS.
Pertinently, two Hizb-ul Mujahideen militants were killed in a fierce encounter with army’s 44 RR and SOG of police in Pinjoora triggering off strong anti-India protests. At least nine people were injured in the violent clashes that continued till late evening. (GNS)