Omar Abdullah extends Eid greetings, says illegal war imposed on world by US-Israel must end
Srinagar (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the “illegal” war imposed by the United States and Israel on the world should end at the earliest.
“Today, I only prayed for an end to this illegal war that has been imposed by the United States and Israel on us,” Abdullah told reporters after offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine here.
The entire Muslim world is going through an uncertain period as there is no Muslim country that has not been affected by this war, Abdullah said.
The war in the Middle East has had an impact on India as well, he added.
“It affects the Muslims in India sentimentally, and every Indian in terms of energy needs. People are facing difficulties in getting (cooking) gas and diesel needed for the functioning of their homes,” Abdullah said.
On the closure of the Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta in Srinagar for congregational prayers on Eid for the seventh consecutive year, the chief minister termed it unfortunate.
“There is a mismatch between the words and the deeds of those in charge of security. On one hand, they claim that everything is normal, and on the other, they close the historic mosque. What kind of normalcy is this? I hope such decisions will be changed in future,” Abdullah said.
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Press Club of India condemns 'manhandling' of UNI journalists during sealing of premises
New Delhi (PTI): The Press Club of India (PCI) on Saturday expressed deep shock and condemnation regarding the alleged "manhandling" of journalists during the sealing of the United News of India (UNI) premises by authorities following a high court order.
In a statement, the PCI said that several journalists at the news agency claimed they were physically removed by the Delhi Police and CRPF personnel from their workplace "by use of force", and were not even allowed to collect their personal belongings.
"The PCI expresses deep shock at the manhandling of journalists while at work at the United News of India premises at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, by police last evening following a court order regarding a land dispute," the PCI said.
The PCI also condemned in the "strongest possible" terms the "highhandedness unleashed on the journalists, including women workers."
The PCI emphasised that the right to work is a constitutional right and stands in solidarity with the affected journalists. They maintained that the authorities should have exercised restraint, especially since the journalists had informed them that the management had not yet communicated the need to vacate the premises after the court order.
"PCI urges the authorities to take prompt action against whoever was responsible for such misconduct, as it would help instil confidence within the journalist fraternity that the right to work of the press is an important part of a democracy," the statement said.
The UNI premises were sealed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Land and Development Office (L&DO) on Friday following a high court order -- a move the media organisation termed as an "unprecedented atrocity" and "attack on freedom of media".
