This refers to the attack on journalists in Kashmir time and again. It is encouraging to see that the Press Council of India (PCI) has taken a serious exception to increasing incidents of attacks on media professionals. The PCI has rightly rejected the Jammu and Kashmir police’s version that during a recent incident some journalists were apparently hit as the cops were unable to differentiate them from the “unruly crowd” gathered on the spot. The version of the police is baseless and illogical. They have been saying this time and again. Since 2008, journalists have been threatened and intimated. They are not allowed to discharge their duties properly. Policemen on duty must understand that journalists have a task to perform like police has. So why are they attacking the scribes is beyond my comprehension. There seems to be thinking behind all this and that is to harass journalists so that truth is muzzled. But it is certainly going to boomerang as has happened in the past. The PCI would be taking a right move by launching criminal proceedings against police and paramilitary forces if they again assault journalists discharging their duties during coverage of demonstrations and other incidents. Indeed, the paramilitary forces and police in all states/union territories must be instructed not to commit any violence on media persons. That would ensure protection of the Fourth Estate. The PCI must act strictly on its recommendations.

Shaista
Kreeri Baramulla

Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST