Journalist Gowhar Geelani Summoned By Court Over Activities Having Security Concerns.

A Court in South Kashmir’s Shopian district has summoned Srinagar-based journalist Gowhar Nazir Geelani for acting in a manner “prejudicial” to the public interest that tends to “disturb” public peace.

Geelani has been asked to ensure personal appearance before it on 7th February.

In a notice, the Executive Magistrate of Shopian stated that the court received a report regarding the incident dated 01-02-2022 from concerned police authorities, wherein a police person Shabir Ahmad Wagay, son of Ghulam Hassan Wagay resident of Amshipora, Shopian was fired upon by militants at his native village Amshipora and was shifted to District Hospital Shopian in a critical condition.

“Immediately after the incident you have disseminated information on social media that would have endangered the life of the injured individual and other persons besides circulation of your information have raised serious security and breach of peace concerns,” the notice issued reads.

As per the notice by the court, after the incident “you have acted in a manner prejudicial to the public interest that have tendency to disturb public peace, tranquility and security and I have strong apprehensions you will continue with such activities that will have an impact upon maintainable of peace and public tranquility in my jurisdiction.”

‘Threat To Peace’.

The court has made a mention that previously Gowhar Nazir Geelani indulged in such activities, regarding which a criminal case under FIR NO. 57/2021 U/S 13, UAPA, 505 IPC stands registered in Police Station Sadder, Srinagar.

“Moreover, it has been brought into the knowledge of the undersigned that you are continuously in clandestine manner propagating such information and activities that has an adverse impact upon breach of peace, tranquility and security,” the Magistrate stated.

The court has said that given the above averments, “why action under section 107 Cr. P.C should not be initiated against you and bound down you under section 107Cr.P.C for maintaining Public order and peace/tranquility. You are hereby directed to attend this court in person on 07/09/2022 positively,” the court stated.

Meanwhile, as per the Criminal Involvement Report of Gowhar Nazir Geelani, he is said to be active on social media and uses social media as a platform for “uploading anti-national posts and videos.”
As per the report, his activities are against the ethos of “rule of law” and aimed to create “threat” to peace and tranquility in the region.”