Skardu: Students and journalists baton charged by police at airport

Our Correspondent

Skardu, August 28: Hundreds of students had gathered today at the Skardu airport to move out of the town in planes promised by Senator Rehman Malik. The promised planes never came, as anticipated by some.

However, Rehman Malik fled from the town in a special plane, leaving behind enraged protesters who clashed with the police and were subjected to baton charge.

KPN’s senior reporter Ishaq Jalal was beaten brutally by police officials at Skardu Airport today where he had gone to cover the protest staged by passengers stuck in the town for almost two weeks. Ishaq told media that he was beaten by SP Hanif and SHO Nisar Shigri, with the help of a large number of police constables. He alleged that police have been harassing him for a long time. A

Journalist bodies and politicians have categorically condemned the brutal torture of journalist Ishaq Jalal and his companions in Skardu. The Gilgit – Baltistan Journalists Association has demanded action against the police official and judicial investigation of the brutality. Gilgit Union of Journalists President Tariq Hussain condemned the attack and termed it an attack on the freedom of press. He demanded action against the police officials involved in the heinous attack on a journalist.

Officials of all district press clubs have condemned the action and expressed solidarity with Ishaq Jalal.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary GB has reportedly promised to investigate the matter and penalize the police officials.

The protesting passengers, mostly students, have been trying in vain to return to their colleges and universities across Pakistan.