Press Club of India demands immediate release of Irfan Mehraj
New Delhi, Mar 21: The Press Club of India on Tuesday demanded the immediate release of journalist Irfan Mehraj, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with a terror funding case.
"We vehemently oppose the imposing of UAPA on mediapersons. The misuse of this draconian law by NIA (National Investigation Agency) in randomly arresting Irfan Mehraj, a journalist from Kashmir, ominously points towards a violation of freedom of speech and expression. We demand his immediate release," the Press Club of India said on Twitter.
The NIA said Mehraj was a close associate of human rights activist Khurram Parvez and working with his organisation, the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies (JKCCS).
The agency alleged that investigations revealed the JKCCS was funding terror activities and had also been propagating a secessionist agenda in the Kashmir Valley under the garb of protection of human rights.
We vehemently oppose the imposing of UAPA on mediapersons. The misuse of this draconian law by NIA in randomly arresting Irfan Mehraj, a journalist from Kashmir ominously points towards a violation of freedom of speech and expression. We demand his immediate release pic.twitter.com/Vy2XEVQWEO
— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) March 21, 2023
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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued red alert for four districts in Kerala - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Alappuzha - forecasting extremely heavy rainfall until May 21.
As heavy rains pose potential hazards, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised people to remain vigilant.
With expectations of heavy rainfall within a short timeframe, there's a risk of flash floods and urban waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. Landslides may also be triggered by prolonged rainfall. In light of this, authorities are urging residents, especially those in hilly and coastal regions, to exercise caution and stay alert.
The IMD has also sounded orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam district until Tuesday.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.
Earlier in the day, the Idukki District Collector ordered a ban on night travel through the hilly areas of the district from Sunday until the red and orange alerts are withdrawn.
''Strict instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Regional Transport Officers, and Tehsildars to implement the ban effectively,'' an official statement said.
