AMN / New Delhi
Journalists across the country today held protest demonstrations against the killing of Bangalore based senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. The huge protest meeting was held at Press Club of India today where several journalists condemned the brutal killing of the woman journalist and demanded that the government immediately bring to book the culprits. The meeting was jointly organised by several media organisations. Agitated media persons blamed both the centre and the state government of Karnataka for their ineffectiveness in checking such crime against journalists.
In a statement, the PCI said that the fact that she was shot outside her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar during the busy part of the evening meant that law and order in Bengaluru had deteriorated and criminals had a “free run” in the Karnataka capital.
“A fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in a most brutal manner in order to silence her voice,” the PCI statement said. It demanded that her attackers be caught quickly.
Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Bangalore last night.
Protests erupted across Karnataka too condemning the dastardly killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence on Tuesday night by three unidentified men.
Journalists, activists, writers, thinkers and women organisations were seen among the crowds that gathered in the city and across the state condemning the killing of the journalist.
People were seen gathered at the Town Hall for a silent protest, holding placards. “You can kill a person but not their ideas,” read one placard.
Silent demonstrations were also staged by journalist groups at the Victoria Hospital grounds, where the autopsy is being done.
Across the state, protests were witnessed – in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad, Koppal, among other regions – where citizens took to the streets.
Journalists in Kerala also took out a black-flag demonstrations demanding immediate arrest of culprits involved in the killing. Carrying placards demanding arrest of the assailants and protecting the freedom of press, hundreds of scribes participated in the demonstration that began from the Calicut Press Club and culminated there after passing through Mananchira Square in the city.
Later addressing a protest ‘Sangamam’ at the CPC premises, leaders cautioned the people to be vigilant against the fascist forces, which were attempting to silence the media in the country.
It was in Bengluru yesterday and it could happen anywhere in the country, including Kozhikode, a major media centre in the state, said Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) President-elect Kamal Varadoor.
Former Kerala Press Academy President N P Rajendran, Malayala Manorama Chief News Editor P J Joshua, N Rajesh and Sofia Bind, among others, spoke.
Smriti Irani condemns murder, calls for speedy probe
AMN / New Delhi
Smriti-IraniCondemning the killing of senior Bengaluru journalist Gauri Lankesh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani hoped for speedy investigation and justice in the matter. Taking to twitter, she said, ‘Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.
Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered.
” Ms Irani also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. Gauri Lankesh, editor of weekly Kannada tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, columnist in newspapers, a panelist on TV channels and an activist, was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru last night.
Home Ministry seeks report on murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh
AMN / New Delhi
Amid strong condemnation of the murder of Bengaluru-based journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Congress-ruled Karnataka government. “A report has been sought. These are routine matters,” a source said.
The central government seeking the report is significant as the state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he is open to CBI investigation in the case.
Ms Lankesh, 55, editor of Kannada tabloid ‘Gauri Lankesh Patrike’, was killed last night by unknown assailants.