Shimla, Oct 11,
The media fraternity in Dharamshala and the Chandigarh Press Club have condemned an FIR filed against a senior journalist from Kangra following his critical article on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government. The senior journlist who works with a web news portal, had published an analysis discussing the potential impact of the Himachal Congress on the Haryana elections, where the BJP secured a significant victory. Soon after, a Shimla resident filed an FIR accusing him of defaming Congress leaders, raising concerns about political motivations behind the swift legal action.
Journalists from various media outlets have condemned the FIR, viewing it as a direct attack on press freedom and an attempt to suppress critical reporting. In Dharamshala, leading media professionals, including Udayveer Pathania, Parveen Kumar, Gopal Puri and Milan Singh, gathered to discuss their response. They held a meeting and marched to the office of Kangra’s Deputy Commissioner, demanding the withdrawal of the FIR and government assurances for journo’s safety.
The Chandigarh Press Club also voiced its condemnation, labeling the FIR a blatant attempt to intimidate the press. They stressed the importance of protecting journalists, especially when reporting on political issues, and called on the Himachal Pradesh government to uphold press freedom.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the growing tension between the media and the state government, with many journalists in Shimla too, expressing concerns over potential attempts to silence critics.
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