Jammu scribes slam ‘unprofessional conduct of SP Traffic’

Jammu: Working Journalists Association of Jammu has condemned the notice issued by the SP Traffic to mediapersons for alleged violation of traffic rules.
“The notice issued to mediapersons has been seen as grave provocation by the SP Traffic and has invited criticism from working journalists of all media houses,” a statement said Thursday.
It said the working journalists gathered here in the Press Club of Jammu on Thursday and took serious note of the conduct of the police officer “as he has been repeatedly targeting mediapersons ever since he joined office of SP Traffic.”
DIG Traffic Shafqat Ali Wattali also joined working journalists along with Director Information Tassaduq Geelani at the Press Club and gave them patient hearing.
“Wattali said the officer has circulated the notice without the knowledge of senior officers,” the statement said.
“The issuance of notice targeting media persons was ‘unwarranted’ and the same would be withdrawn and the said police officer would be directed to tender an apology before mediapersons,” the statement quoted Wattali as saying.
“Instead of focusing on the alleged traffic violations by select few mediapersons the SP Traffic should focus on smooth regulation of traffic and also check traffic violations committed by VVIPs including senior police officers, bureaucrats and senior state govt officers,” the statement said.
The Working Journalists Association said every day hundreds of government vehicles ferry schoolchildren/families of officers in official vehicles but the Traffic Department has never issued notices to them or challaned them.
The journalists said due to misuse of official machinery the congested Jammu city witnesses traffic jams but seldom Traffic police makes an effort in regulating traffic as they either remain engaged in movement of VVIP’s or harass commuters by pouncing on them sometimes compromising their security.
The journalists also drew attention of the Traffic authorities towards non-functioning of traffic signal lights and the unholy nexus between owners of commercial vehicles and men in blue uniform.
The Working Journalists said in the past the said officer had tendered personal apology on the directions of MoS Home Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo but he has not stopped provoking them.
“The working journalists also expressed concern over the role of the Information Department as the said notice was circulated by SP Traffic through them. Director Information Tassaduq Geelani said it is unfortunate the notice was issued by the SP traffic targeting only media persons,” the statement said.

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