Shimla, Oct 23,
The recent, allegedly official internal directives from the Superintendent of Police, Kullu office, regarding media personnel conduct during the Chief Minister’s visit to the Kullu Dussehra event has sparked outrage among journalists and raised serious concerns about media freedom in Himachal Pradesh.
These directions which were shared on social media by senior journalists of leading media houses mandated accredited media personnel to maintain a specific distance from the Chief Minister and display their identity cards for verification by police, are been viewed as an attempt to stifle journalistic access and undermine the dignity of the press.
This is not the first instance of such treatment. A similar incident occurred last year, when a Press Trust of India (PTI) journalist faced harassment by a personal security officer (PSO) of the Deputy Chief Minister.
Despite the journalist filing a complaint, no action was taken, reflecting a worrying trend of governmental disregard for media rights. The Press Club of Chandigarh condemned the incident, which ultimately led to the PSO’s removal from the Deputy Chief Minister’s security detail.
In light of these previous incidents, these recent directions from SP Kullu, though a internal document but on social media is being seen as another episode in what has become a pattern of hostility toward journalists, and it may deepen the rift between the government and the working media.
The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has already drawn criticism for filing cases against journalists and seizing media equipment, further exacerbating the situation.
Senior journalists, including Anand Sharma, have voiced their discontent with this directive. In a Facebook post, Sharma ridiculed the directives by the SP, stating that news is not about proximity to politicians but about reporting the issues that concern the public.
Sharma’s comment that “news is news only when it comes from the people, not the politicians” resonated with many journalists who see this as an erosion of their role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Sanjay Sharma of Himdwan added a poignant remark, emphasizing that journalism is constitutionally protected, and journalists do not need government recognition to practice their profession.
He lamented the shift in journalistic standards, noting how politicians once sought out journalists for their reporting, but now the tables have turned, and many journalists seek validation from the corridors of power.
This episode is emblematic of a broader trend in India, where media freedom has been under increasing pressure. The country’s position on the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted to 188th place, a reflection of the growing challenges faced by journalists.
Whether it’s the Central or the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, there appears to be a growing hostility toward the media, with only a few crony media houses spared from such treatment.
The extracts from the official document of the SP office Kullu not only undermine the press’s role in a democratic society but also sends a chilling message to independent journalists. The media’s function as a watchdog is being compromised, and the government’s efforts to limit journalistic access reveal an authoritarian streak that must be resisted. ” This move, which reflects a dictatorial and undemocratic attitude, is a direct affront to the values of free speech and transparency,” stated ML Verma another senior journalist.
As media professionals continue to push back against these undemocratic practices, it is crucial for the government to recognize the indispensable role that journalism plays in upholding democracy. The public’s right to information, free from governmental control, must be preserved, and the dignity of journalists should never be compromised.
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