Chilas: Journalist pelted with stones by protesters, sustains injuries
Our Correspondent
Gilgit, March 1: A group of protesters from the Batukhel tribe pelted journalist Umer Farooqi with stones today in Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamer District. The journalist sustained injuries but fled from the scene and took shelter in a nearby college.
According to details, protesters belonging to the Batukhel tribe objected when they saw local reporter Umer Farooqi taking photographs, as part of his professional work. The objection led to exchange of harsh arguments which culminated in the journalist being pelted with stones. There are reports that Farooqi sustained several injuries on different parts of his body after being hit by stones.
The Batukhel Tribe and Sonewal Tribe, both claiming a piece of land which is likely to be caused to submerge in Diamer-Bhasha dam, have been protesting against each other for at least one week. The other day one tribe had defied the section 144 of MPO and tried to occupy official buildings constructed on the land.
The district administration is on high alert because of the fear that these tribes might clash and disrupt the law and order situation.
The attack on the reporter has been widely condemned by journalist bodies and social activists across the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
