South Asia Human Rights Journalist Association

Srinagar, October 17, 2018: several journalists were thrashed by the Indian forces  in Srinagar city on Wednesday while Indian troops blasted a residential house and bodies of three persons were recovered from the debris of the destroyed house in Srinagar. Indian paramilitary forces and Special Operation Group during cordon and search operation brutally thrashed near a dozen journalists when they were performing their professional duties in Fateh Kadal area of the city.A journalist told media men in Srinagar that the Indian forces even fired shots to scare them away from the operation site in Fateh Kadal.
Kashmir press club (KPC) has condemned the thrashing of journalists by the Indian forces in Fateh Kadal area of Srinagar.
“Many reporters and photo journalists were beaten up while they were delivering their professional duties this morning. One of the injured journalists is also a member of the executive team of KPC,” said a spokesman of the KPC, in a statement.
“It is also being reported that the thrashing took place right in front of senior police officers. The KPC has expressed shock over this behaviour by the forces. It hopes that the state administration will take a note of this and act,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, a mysterious blast created panic in Dooru area of Sopore town on Wednesday morning. The blast caused fear and panic in the area, however, there was no report of any loss of life or injuries.
The youth identified as Mehraj-ud-Din Bangroo, Faid Mushtaq Waza  and  Rayees Habibullah Sofi  were killed by Indian troops during joint cordon and search operation at Fateh Kadal in Srinagar. Indian police officers claimed Mehraj-ud-Din Bangroo and Faid Mushtaq Waza members of a armed resistance group.
Authorities closed all schools and colleges in the area and also suspended Mobile Internet services in the territory.
An official said the decision to close the educational institutions has been taken in the district.