Demokratic Front, Chandigarh, 04 October :
The National Executive Committee of the Indian Journalists Union, one of the largest bodies of working journalists in the country, which met here at Aluva near Kochi on Tuesday, was shocked to learn about the raids, seizure of laptops, mobile phones and other devices and arrest of senior journalists by Police in New Delhi the previous day .
IJU President Vinod Kohli and Secretary General S. Sabanayakan in their joint statement said that though some of the journalists were let off later in the day, some were reportedly still in custody in connection with an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws relating to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony.
IJU strongly feels that the raids are yet another attempt to throttle the voice of the independent media. IJU feels that the Police must follow due process if there is indeed a breach of law. Any intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws, or intruding on the freedom of expression is not the right way to treat the media. In a vibrant and functioning democracy the importance of an independent media is very vital. IJU urges all concerned to respect and protect the rights of the media so that it can perform its role in the society without fear or favour.
