Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 24: State Government today denied permission to a journalist to release his book on the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shabnam Qayoom, a senior journalist, and editor of an Urdu weekly, Qomin Vikar, who was to release his book today at a local hotel here was denied permission by the district magistrate.
Qayoom was to release his book at Lala Rukh Hotel in afternoon, but the hotel had closed its door for the journalist and his other friends who had been invited to the function.
“I am disappointed with the curbs over freedom of speech. It is so pathetic that the Government does not allow you to even open your mouth or write with your pen,” Qayoom said.
Later, Qayoom in protest released his book outside the hotel on the footpath.
Officials in the District Magistrate said they had apprehensions of law and order problem at the venue. “We had asked for a copy of the book from the author before its release, but he didn’t produce one,” said the official, adding that, if the author produces a copy he might be allowed to release it in the near future.
Police had told the District Magistrate that they have no objections to the release of the book at the hotel. But the official claimed that police had later withdrawn its objection.
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