Indian Journalist Association, Ahilyanagar, submits memorandum to District Magistrate protesting attacks on female journalists.

Demands include an impartial inquiry, action against guilty police personnel, and the implementation of a journalist protection law.

"The voice of the pen and the camera cannot be intimidated" – Nasir Zameer Sayyad 

Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.

In protest against the alleged assault and mistreatment of journalist Shaheen Khan (4PM News Network) and independent journalist Nafisa Khan by the Delhi Police, the Ahilyanagar district unit of the Indian Journalist Association  submitted a seven-point memorandum to the District Magistrate of Ahilyanagar, addressed to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The memorandum demands an impartial, high-level inquiry into the incident and strict legal and administrative action against the perpetrators. It calls for the immediate registration of an FIR and a time-bound investigation upon receiving complaints regarding attacks, threats, forcible detention, seizure of equipment, obstruction of reporting, or harassment of journalists. Furthermore,

the association demanded the creation of a special monitoring system to conduct high-level reviews of alleged false cases filed against journalists out of malice, vendetta, or to exert pressure, as well as the provision of necessary legal aid to journalists.

Ahilyanagar District President Nasir Zamir Sayyad stated that journalists work to bring societal issues and the voice of the common people to the forefront. He said, "The voice of the pen and the camera cannot be intimidated. If any journalist faces injustice, the Indian Journalist Association will stand firmly by them. The organization will fight on every democratic and legal platform to protect the dignity and safety of female journalists." He urged the administration to seriously consider all points raised in the memorandum and ensure appropriate action is taken.

District General Secretary Ansar Sayyad remarked that mechanisms established for journalist safety should not remain confined to paper. He said, "When a journalist steps into the field to report, they should be provided with a fear-free environment. Democracy will only be strengthened when the safety of journalists is ensured." He reiterated the demand for an impartial inquiry into the alleged incident involving the female journalists and strict action against the guilty.  The memorandum stated that ensuring the safety of journalists is a necessary step towards strengthening the democratic system. The organization urged the central and state governments to take concrete measures towards enacting a journalist protection law.

Copies of the memorandum were also forwarded to the Union Home Minister (Government of India) and the Governor of Maharashtra (Raj Bhavan) for their information and necessary action.

Journalists and office-bearers of the Indian Journalist Association (Ahilyanagar district unit) were present during the submission of the memorandum, including District President Nasir Zameer Sayyad, District General Secretary Ansar Sayyad, District Secretary Arshid Sayyad, District Organizing Secretary Gorakh Dahiphale, District Media In-charge Suraj Gavare, and District Council members Zia Sayyad, Kiran Kamble, and Shahbaz Sayyad.