AMN / NEW DELHI
Several journalists’ bodies have demanded ‘strict action’ against the lawmaker who made threatening remarks hinting possible violence at journalists. Condemning the MLA remarks, they said that such statements are nothing short of ‘criminal intimidation’ and a direct attack on the freedom of the press.
Media persons said that such remarks also serve to vitiate atmosphere and endanger the lives of journalists who work and live precariously in conflict situations like in Kashmir.
BJP MLA and former minister Chaudhary Lal Singh yesterday warned journalists at a press conference in Jammu to “draw a line” openly threatening them with consequences and warning them of a fate similar to that of Shujaat Bukhari, the editor of Rising Kashmir who was shot dead less than a fortnight ago.
Bukhari’s assassination was condemned by a wide section of people and journalist organisations.
Chaudhary Lal Singh also blamed journalists in Kashmir for creating a “wrong atmosphere” and told them to control themselves. The MLA had been dropped from the Cabinet after he joined a rally that supported the accused of the Kathua gang rape and murder.
The Indian Women’s Press Corps, Press Club of India, Press Association, Federation of Press Clubs of India and other organization are signatory to the statement.
The Kashmir Working Journalists Association and the J&K Press Association, also condemned Mr. Singh’s remarks.
“The bullying statement made against Kashmiri journalists is unwarranted and condemnable,” the KWJA spokesman said.