Shahi Imam supporters clash with media

The incident occurred when mediapersons asked the Shahi Imam about reservation for backward Muslims.

Supporters of Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Tuesday had a scuffle with mediapersons in front of the Prime Minister's residence, with each side saying the other had misbehaved.

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The incident occurred when mediapersons asked the Shahi Imam about reservation for backward Muslims as envisaged in the Mandal commission report.

While his supporters said the media misbehaved with the Shahi Imam, news channels flashed visuals showing the supporters beating up the scribes and throwing away their microphones.

Speaking to a Hindi news channel, the Shahi Imam said he was not bound to answer all questions. "I answered questions but am not bound to answer all questions asked by mediapersons."

Bukhari also said the Zee news correspondent had misbehaved with him and his supporters reacted to that.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil assured mediapersons that he would personally look into the matter. Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal also condemned the incident.

"It's the right of the media to ask provocative questions and violence cannot be the answer to it. The press in India has discharged its duty with utmost sincerity and violence is unacceptable," Sibal said.