Senior journalist Rakesh Sharma from Dainik Jagran was hospitalised on Wednesday after he was allegedly assaulted while covering a BJP protest in Kalibari Chowk, Kathua, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among journalist circles, with strong demands for registration of FIR against the accused.
According to Sharma, the protest was led by BJP legislators Devinder Manyal, Rajiv Jasrotia, and Bharat Bhushan. Tensions escalated when BJP activist Himanshu Sharma accused journalists of using “separatist language” after they raised questions regarding security lapses and the Central government’s role in preventing terrorist infiltrations.
A video of the incident, showing the assault on the scribe, has reportedly gone viral on social media.
Manyal was responding in a calm manner to the questions and said they are writing to the Prime Minister to request for a “decisive action” against the terrorists but other party workers got agitated when the leaders were asked whether the Pahalgam terror attack and infiltration of terrorists into Kathua are not reflective of Centre’s failure to check infiltration from across the border.
Sharma alleged that as journalists decided to leave in protest, Himanshu Sharma, along with others identified as Ravinder Singh, Ashwani Sharma, Manjit Singh, Tony, and Parveen Chuna, physically assaulted him in public view.
Sharma said he was rescued by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravinder Singh, who admitted him to the Government Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The assault was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. In response, a delegation of senior journalists met with Kathua’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Shobhit Saxena, demanding the registration of an FIR and arrests of those involved.
Journalists across Kathua and Jammu wore black armbands in protest and organised demonstrations at Shaheedi Chowk and outside the Press Club in Jammu. They have announced a complete boycott of BJP events until strict action is taken.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) also condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous sign for press freedom. PCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma stated, “His only fault was asking questions about the security situation. What could be more unfortunate than a journalist from a national daily being unsafe?”
The PCC further demanded an official apology from BJP President J.P. Nadda and firm action against the culprits.
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