The Indian Journalist Association, Vidarbha, submitted a memorandum to the President of India against mistreatment of journalists at Jantar Mantar.

Demands for impartial investigation, action against the culprits, and to ensure the safety of journalists across the country.

Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

The journalistic community is outraged by the alleged mistreatment, use of abusive language, and illegal detention of journalists at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Indian Journalist Association has taken a strong stand against this incident and demanded the protection of journalists' dignity, safety, freedom, and constitutional rights.

A delegation led by the organization's Vidarbha State President, Advocate Zakir Hussain Rahim, submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the District Magistrate, Yavatmal, demanding a high-level and impartial investigation into the matter.

The memorandum stated that journalists, as the fourth pillar of democracy, play an important role in conveying the voice of the public to the government and administration, exposing corruption and irregularities, and mobilizing public opinion against injustice prevalent in society.  In such a situation, allegations of alleged indecent behavior, abusive language, and illegal detention of journalists are a matter of serious concern. In any democratic system, journalists' dignity, freedom of expression, and the right to work in accordance with the law must be protected.

The Indian Journalist Association stated that journalism is not merely a medium for publishing news, but an important social responsibility. Journalists work day and night to highlight issues such as public problems, the actual state of government schemes, corruption, crime, unemployment, inflation, education, health, and administrative negligence. Despite this, journalists in various parts of the country face threats, pressure, assault, the fear of false cases, social harassment, and obstacles in their work.

The situation of journalists working in rural and small towns is particularly challenging. Many journalists produce public interest news with limited resources, but they lack adequate financial security, health care, accident insurance, legal aid, and other essential social protections. While gathering news at the local level, they face pressure and opposition from influential people.  In such a situation, it is the need of the hour to make effective arrangements for the safety of journalists.

The association demanded that complaints of violence, threats, and harassment against journalists be promptly addressed and that a fair investigation be ensured in every case. An effective mechanism be established to address complaints of harassment of journalists due to their work, so that victims do not have to struggle unnecessarily to seek justice.

Advocate Zakir Hussain Rahim, Vidarbha State President of the Indian Journalist Association, stated that journalists are an important medium of communication between society and the government. Their responsibility is to highlight public concerns and contribute to holding the government and administration accountable. If journalists performing their duties face humiliation, threats, or unfair action, it is a matter of serious concern for the environment of independent journalism. He stated that the allegations related to the Jantar Mantar incident should be investigated impartially to uncover the true facts and prevent injustice from being inflicted upon any innocent person. If the investigation proves violations of rules or improper conduct by any officer or employee, strict action should be taken against them as per the law.

 Advocate Zakir Hussain Rahim also stated that protecting the rights of journalists is not the sole responsibility of any single organization or individual, but rather the collective responsibility of the democratic system. He demanded that the central government take concrete steps to ensure the safety, respect, and a free working environment for journalists. He clarified that the Indian Journalists Association will continue to raise its voice against injustices against journalists in a democratic and constitutional manner.

Meenakshi Moon, Yavatmal District President, Women's Wing, Indian Journalist Association, stressed the need to pay special attention to the challenges faced by women journalists in the field of journalism. She stated that women journalists often face uncomfortable situations, indecent comments, personal attacks, online harassment, and insecurity while gathering and reporting news. Ensuring their safety and respect while reporting in public places is an important responsibility of the relevant administration. She emphasized the need to ensure a safe workplace, grievance redressal mechanisms, legal aid, and professional respect for women journalists. She stated that independent and inclusive journalism is incomplete without the participation and safety of women journalists. The organization will continue to advocate for the protection of women journalists' rights.

 District Council Member Javed Sheikh emphasized the need for effective policy developments to address the social, economic, and professional problems of journalists. He stated that journalists communicate the true state of society to the public and responsible institutions. They also perform their duties during natural disasters, accidents, public problems, and other sensitive situations. Therefore, their work and safety must be taken seriously.

The delegation expressed hope that the President will take appropriate cognizance of this serious matter and require the relevant authorities to take necessary action. The organization emphasizes that the safety and freedom of journalists are essential to strengthening democracy. Any allegations must be investigated impartially, and if proven guilty, legal action must be taken.

 Prominently present on this occasion were Advocate Zakir Hussain Rahim (Vidarbha State President), Rahul Shende (State General Secretary), Raju Patel (State Vice President), Neha Nagbhidkar (State President, Women's Wing), Sachin Kakde (Maregaon Taluka President), Ritesh Moon (Yavatmal District Vice President), Meenakshi Moon (Yavatmal District President, Women's Wing), Shanta Chavan (Yavatmal District Secretary), Javed Sheikh (District Council Member), Rustam Sheikh, Suleman Fazlani, Akram Diwan, Ramesh Khartade Sir, and other office bearers and members of the organization.

The Indian Journalist Association reiterated that the organization will continue its struggle in a democratic and constitutional manner to protect the honor, security, self-respect, and rights of journalists. The organization appealed to all concerned parties to cooperate in strengthening journalistic freedom, the rule of law, and democratic values.