August 27, 2008	Wednesday	Sha'aban 24, 1429

NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists on Tuesday condemned restrictions on the media by the Indian security forces trying to quell unrest in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Central Reserve Police Forces beat up at least 10 journalists for reporting on Sunday during a strict curfew imposed on major towns in the valley. The journalists were carrying official passes issued by the local government to guarantee them free passage during the curfew, international news reports said.

No newspapers were published on Monday in Srinagar because of disruptions, the CPJ quoted Asian Age reporter Yusuf Jameel as saying on phone from Srinagar.

“We call on local authorities in Kashmir to protect journalists reporting on the unrest,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator. “News about the conflict should be broadcast without restrictions on media outlets or reporters in the field.”