J&K Police refute misleading media reports on Maulana Iqbal’s death in cross-border shelling

Srinagar, May 8: Poonch Police has issued a strong clarification in response to what it described as baseless and misleading reports circulating on certain media channels and social media platforms regarding the death of Maulana Mohammad Iqbal.

Maulana Iqbal, 46, son of Peer Baksh and a resident of Village Baila in Tehsil Mandi, lost his life during cross-border shelling by Pakistan while he was at Madrasa Zia-ul-Uloom in Poonch city. Contrary to some speculative reports, police have confirmed that the deceased had no links to any terror organization.

In an official statement, police described Maulana Iqbal as a respected religious figure within the community and condemned the false narratives that have emerged following his death. 

Such misreporting not only spreads unnecessary panic but also deeply hurts the sentiments of the grieving family and tarnishes the image of an innocent civilian.

The police have further warned that strict legal action will be taken against any media outlet, journalist, or individual found propagating fake news in violation of laws governing public order and national security.

“All media personnel and platforms are advised to verify facts from official sources before publishing any information related to security matters,” the statement added.

Context: A private TV network had reported that Maulana Iqbal was killed in the Indian strike on a terror camp in Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, J&K police has refuted the news and called the Maulana as a respectable citizen who died in Pakistani shelling.