IJU concern over attack on 2 journos in Himachal, Punjab

New Delhi, 15 October 2024: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) expresses grave concern over the filing of an FIR against Sunil Chadha of ‘The Newz Radar’ in Himachal Pradesh and a murderous attack on Ramesh Behl, journalist and President, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Press Association Regd, in Punjab. The two cases, said IJU, must be viewed as an assault on freedom of expression and stifling press freedom and demands justice for the journalists.

According to reports, the Himachal Pradesh police filed an FIR against Sunil Chadha, Executive Editor of online portal ‘The Newz Radar’ following a complaint by a Shimla resident Sandeep Aukta alleging that Chadha’s report, a ‘critique on financial management of Congress government and an analysis of party’s defeat in Haryana Assembly elections, was aimed to damage Congress leaders’ reputation.’ While his report was balanced quoting both Opposition BJP and Chief Minister Sukhu, the FIR, said the IJU appears to be politically motivated.

In the other incident, Ramesh Behl was grievously injured (multiple fractures on his legs and arms) in an attack in Batala (Gurdaspur district) by five people, two of which he identified as associates of AAP MLA Sherry Kalsi, for ‘raising issue of disrespecting the Tricolour, some time back in Batala.’ Kalsi has denied allegations. In a video from his hospital bed, which went viral, Behl appealed to the judiciary for justice, saying he was attacked 3 times before and had given a sworn statement to Batala SSP, who took no action.

In a statement IJU President and former member, Press Council of India Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General and Vice President, International Federation of Journalists Sabina Inderjit said in Chadha’s case the Himachal government must withdraw the FIR and in Behl’s case, Batala police must apprehend the culprits and MLAs must learn to respect freedom of media. Safety and security of journalists and press freedom must be paramount in any democracy and the respective governments must ensure these are followed in both letter and in spirit.