Meida Freedom Violation (!) Media Bodies Condemn attack on Working Journalist in Odisha
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
BERHAMPUR:The pressure of journalists in the form of physical attacks, threats and initiation of legal proceedings against them has reached a peak in Odisha. There have been 2/3 physical attacks on reporters, stringers or camerapersons in last couple of Months. The profession of journalism is undergoing changes in Odisha.
This is partly an outcome while Journalists work in the interest of the State growth, developmental activity and unbiased news a group of people trying to suppress all factual news items for their own vested interest. The attacks on journalists are not fair which relates for the lager interest of state and civil society.
Beside the threats and attacks on journalists, the print, broadcast media and web media are witnessing a major boom.
Last week it’s alleged that, some political goon attacked two media persons, Anuj Kumar Das and Bishnu Prasad Tarasia of Nandighosh TV, Nayagarh and damaged their camera and other equipments.
In an attempt to throttle the voice of Press, on 25th Dec, while Argus web channel Journalist Sanjay Kumar Mahalik, Soro, Correspondent, with his camera person were attacked while they were on job to cover a news item. Unexpectedly they have been hacked and injured critically, at Bisweswar Temple, Bahanaga, Balasore.
On protest against the issues, Berhampur Press Club stage a peaceful silent protest before the DIG, Southern Range, and Monday before the RDC, Southern Division. In both the memorandum scribes of Berhampur sought for quick action against the defenders demand for the safety and security.
Apart of, several working journalists and media organizations across the State condemned the brutal attack and demanded adequate security for the people working for the fourth pillar of democracy.
Members of several journalists’ organisations, including Press Club of Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Angul, Talcher, Rourkela, Sunabeda, Balasore, Nayagarh, and Puri placed their demand.
The attack was also criticized by several other senior journalists saying the people who are stopping reporters from doing their job should be punished by law.
