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The journalists demanded action against the accused and resignation of the minister.

The journalists were supported by independent MLA from Langate, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, members of a trade organization Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Municipal Contractors Union, J&K Contractors Central Coordination Committee, Doctors Association Kashmir led by Dr GM Mir and some separatist groups.

Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Agriculture Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura denied his involvement in the incident and refuted the scribe’s allegations.

“The story carried by Greater Kashmir about one journalist Javaid Malik having been allegedly thrashed by my security guards has come as a shock and surprise to me. He was stopped by the security guards and taken to police station, Chanapora. I strongly deny my involvement in the alleged episode and have no objection if the journalist so desires to initiate inquiry and to ascertain facts. Security guards do not carry orders from any Minister or VIP whom they escort, they follow their own protocol," he said in a government statement on Tuesday.

 “I have all the respect for the general public and for the journalists in particular as I have myself edited a daily newspaper. And, if at all, the sensitivities of them are hurt, I am willing to tender my apology for the alleged act committed and as reported," the statement added.

On Monday, a journalist was allegedly beaten up by the guards of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) minister.

The journalist, Javed Malik, who works for Greater Kashmir newspaper, alleged that he was thrashed after he objected to the guards passing lewd remarks on his wife. He accused Agriculture Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura of signalling his guards to assault him.

 (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)