The News Broadcasters Association has condemned police action against journalists, camerapersons and media crew from various channels on Sunday.
Meanwhile, print and television journalists took out a protest march and submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister demanding action against police officers involved in the attack on mediapersons on Sunday. They also condemned death of a cameraperson in Imphal, who was allegedly shot in police firing.
The NBA said that, “the fact that water canons were used at specific media locations and journalists even with mikes in their hands were injured suggests that the media was targeted.” It said that all its member channels had reported the protests with maturity and sensitivity in the last few days.
“Any police action against our reporters is, therefore, unacceptable and condemned in no uncertain terms. It would be a sad day for the country and democracy if any attempt is made to muzzle the media,” the statement added. The NBA appealed to the Government to ensure that media is allowed to perform their duty in a free and fearless manner.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry also issued a guideline on Sunday night advising private satellite television channels to “scrupulously follow the programme code laid down in the Cable Television Networks rules 1994 to ensure to telecast the events relating to public demonstration in a responsible manner with due care, maturity and restraint.” It said that no satellite television channel should carry programmes that encourage or incite violence or promote anti-national attitude. Most television channels aired disclaimers asking the public not to resort to violence.
The I&B Minister, Manish Tewari, said “Any action warranted or unwarranted, which impinges upon freedom of speech and freedom of expression which includes the right to report is absolutely considered to be abhorrent and is condemned. As far as the protests are concerned, there is a case for moderation and restraint on all sides. Violence or the use of exaggerated force by the state is avoidable,” he said