New Delhi: The Newspaper Association of India (NAI) has written to Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to order an immediate investigation and ensure strict legal action against those allegedly involved in the assault, intimidation, and misconduct towards journalists, media professionals, security personnel, and Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawans during the recent protest at Jantar Mantar.
In a letter addressed to the Home Minister, Dr. Vipin Gaur, General Secretary of the Newspaper Association of India, expressed serious concern over reports and videos circulating on social media that allegedly show journalists being physically assaulted, obstructed, and intimidated while carrying out their professional duties. The Association also highlighted reports that some female journalists were allegedly subjected to inappropriate and objectionable behaviour, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incidents.
The NAI has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to direct the concerned authorities to conduct a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation, examine all available video footage and other evidence, including publicly available social media videos, identify those responsible, register FIRs wherever cognizable offences are established, and take strict legal action in accordance with the law.
The Association has further expressed concern over reports that security personnel, including RAF jawans and other law enforcement officials, were allegedly assaulted or obstructed while performing their duty of maintaining law and order. It has urged the government to investigate these allegations and initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those found responsible.
Emphasizing the vital role of a free press in a democratic society, the Newspaper Association of India stated that journalists—often referred to as the "Soldiers of the Pen"—play an essential role in informing the public, frequently working in challenging and sensitive situations. The Association noted that attacks on journalists while they are performing their professional responsibilities not only endanger media personnel but also undermine press freedom and democratic values.
The NAI also stressed that security personnel and RAF jawans dedicate themselves to safeguarding public order and national security and that any attack on them while discharging their lawful duties is equally unacceptable.
Strongly condemning all forms of violence, intimidation, and obstruction against journalists, media professionals, and security personnel, the Association appealed to the Union Home Minister to ensure that justice is delivered and effective measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The Newspaper Association of India expressed confidence that under the leadership of Shri Amit Shah, the Government of India will take appropriate steps to uphold the rule of law, protect the freedom and safety of journalists, and ensure the security of law enforcement personnel serving the nation.
