J&K journalist beating: Minister ready to say sorry after uproar

After an uproar, J&K Agriculture Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone on Tuesday offered to tender an apology over the alleged thrashing of a journalist by his security personnel and expressed willingness for a probe to ascertain the fact.

As journalists staged a protest against Monday's incident, Lone insisted that he had given no orders to the security personnel to misbehave with anyone. "I have all respect for the general public and for journalists in particular as I have myself edited a daily newspaper. And, if at all, their sensitivities are hurt, I am willing to tender my apology for the alleged act committed and as reported," he said.

On Monday, journalist Javaid Malik had alleged that a security man first passed "lewd" remarks at his wife and then he was thrashed by <g data-gr-id="17">several security</g> personnel when he wanted to complain to the Minister. The Minister said the incident has come as a "shock and surprise" to him. 

The minister's reaction came after dozens of journalists, working for various local and national media houses, held a protest here, demanding his resignation and action against the accused.