New Delhi: On behalf of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS), M.V. Shreyams Kumar, President-INS, expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the alarming rise in incidents of assault on journalists and media organizations.
It has been brought to the notice of the Society by one of its member publications namely ‘Sakshi’ published from the state of Andhra Pradesh that their journalists have been subject to attack at multiple instances and by filing vindictive complaints, illegal cases, and investigations, including but not limited to searches in their media houses and residence of the Editor.
The Society condemns such actions aimed at silencing journalists who work in the interest of the public. Such acts are not isolated but form a worrying pattern aimed at curbing independent journalism.
These assaults on the press are an attack on the very foundation of the democracy and freedom of press at large. The journalists must be able to discharge their professional responsibilities without fear, intimidation, or violence. The Press in India is not an adversary but an ally in strengthening democratic accountability.
The Indian Newspaper Society urges, both the Central and State Governments, to take immediate and strict actions against the perpetrators and ensure adequate legal safeguards for the protection of media professionals to uphold the rights of the press which in turn guarantee a safe environment for free reporting.
The Society reaffirms its commitment to stand with the journalists and media institutions facing threats or violence, and will continue to advocate for the freedom of Press as guaranteed under the Constitution of this esteemed nation.
