Srinagar Based Newspaper Owner Accused of Using Military, Task Force to Harass Press Employees

Srinagar, December 8 (KPS): The owner of a Srinagar-based daily newspaper has been accused of using military and Task Force personnel to intimidate the manager and assistant manager of a printing press over an outstanding payment of Rs. 600,000.

The payment, which was due for printing services, has been delayed for an extended period, with the newspaper owner offering bank checks and affidavits as excuses, but failing to make the payment.

When the press employees insisted on recovering the overdue amount, the newspaper owner reportedly began issuing threats. On Sunday, military and STF teams raided the homes of the press manager, Fayaz Ahmad Mir from Tral, and assistant manager, Wasim Bashir from Palpora, Srinagar.

Personnel from the Forest Protection Force (FPF) appeared at Fayaz Ahmad Mir's residence, reportedly harassing his family during the search.

The press staff has announced plans to hold a press conference to expose the entire situation and demand a high-level investigation into how the newspaper owner misled security forces into carrying out the raids.

They are seeking answers as to how the army, Task Force, and Forest Protection Force were misused to harass employees simply for demanding payment of a legitimate debt.

Details of the case will be shared at the press conference, where the press staff will also call for action against the newspaper owner for his misuse of power and for dragging security forces into a personal business dispute.

The case has raised serious concerns about the abuse of authority and the involvement of state forces in commercial conflicts.