LASHKAR’S THREAT TO KASHMIRI JOURNALISTS

Srinagar Mar 17 (Only Kashmir): Lashkar-e-Toiba—one of the several militant groups fighting government forces in Kashmir—has warned journalists of “stern consequences” if they don’t “desist” from reporting and publishing news that weakens “resistance movement” and “solidifies government’s grip” on Kashmir affairs.

“The government-paid reporters and news organizations are warned to shun their work for state/Central government, police and security agencies. Instead of strengthening the shackles of occupation, they (journalists) should highlight the plight of their brethren who are making supreme sacrifices in this war,” LeT’s Kashmir spokesperson Abdullah Ghaznavi told a local news agency KNS.

Ghaznavi said that members of outfits Al-Mansoorian, Al-Arifeen, Al-Nasireen, Save Kashmir Movement, Tehreek-e-Shariat Islami, Tahafuz-e-Shariyat Navaaz, Al-Jabaar, Jehad-Fil-Islam have participated in a meet and decided to intensify attacks in Kashmir in the coming days.

“We have evidences to back our remarks on these journalists. We’ve the footage of those working with English newspapers journalists who’ve been awarded with the government jobs by Indian security agencies. We’ll put this footage in public domain at the right time,” he said.

The LeT’s warning has come at a time when relations between Pakistan and India are warm and armed revolt in the Valley is on the ebb. The Kashmir media has often come under attack by militants, police and army over the past two decades of conflict.(OK)