Chandigarh, 29 August(Wishav Warta): Journalists of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh under the banner of the Chandigarh Press Club, on Tuesday, staged a protest over the violence against their fraternity in Panchkula on August 25. Carrying placards and raising slogans, journalists demanded action against the policemen and government functionaries who largely remained silent spectators during the attack on the journalists during the verdict of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh on August 25. The club Governing Council later submitted a memorandum to Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, demanding action against the policemen.
“A charter of demands was submitted to the Governor, who assured timely action against the erring officials,” Club President Jaswant Rana said, adding that Haryana government must compensate media persons for the damage caused to their property. Rana said the Governor also assured the journalists that he would speak to Haryana Chief Minister in this regard.
Over 40 vehicles, comprising cars, two-wheelers and OB vans, of the journalists parked in Sector 5 near the Hafed office on the day of the judgment were set on fire by a mob. Cameras of the photojournalists and TV channels were also snatched and damaged by the mob.
Describing the attack on journalists unfortunate, Club Secretary General Barinder Rawat said this was an attack on the freedom of expression. “Journalists are not safe in Haryana. The government allowed the gathering, with the police not implementing the orders under Section 144 of the CrPC. This is an unfortunate instance and deserves the strictest condemnation,” Rawat added.
