Shopian court directs police to arrest journalist Gowhar Geelani for 'non-appearance' before it

A Shopian court directed the station house officer of Heerpora to issue an arrest warrant against journalist Gowhar Geelani in view of his "non-appearance" before the court.

The court's direction, dated February 12, instructed the police to "arrest and produce" Geelani before the court on February 19 "in order to maintain peace and public tranquility in the jurisdiction of this court".

The "non-appearance" was reportedly in connection with a notice issued by the same court on February 3.

Signed by the executive magistrate 1st class, Shopian, the February 3 notice cited an incident on February 1 wherein "unknown terrorists" fired at a policeman named Shabir Ahmed Wagay.

The notice said that "immediately after the incident", Geelani "disseminated information on social media that would have endangered the life of injured individual and other persons, besides circulation of your information have raised serious security and breach of peace concerns".

It also accused Geelani of acting in a "manner prejudicial to public interest". "I have strong apprehensions you will continue with such activities..." the notice read. It directed Geelani to attend the court in person on February 7.

Newslaundry could not reach Geelani for comment.