Journalists across India came together to protest and condemn the recent and mounting attacks on scribes on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence, in various cities.

New Delhi’s Raisina Road saw a huge group of journalists, activists and students, who gathered outside the Press Club of India and formed a human chain holding posters and placards.

Rajdeep Sardesai addressing the gathering outside Press Club.

Journalists form a human chain holding placards.

Journalists signed a memorandum calling for action against perpetrators of attacks.

It wasn’t the usual gathering where journalists gave speeches to condemn the murders and attacks of their own. This time, it was a call for action. Noted journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Sagarika Ghose, Nidhi Razdan and journalists from the language press rubbed shoulders with young journalists, some of whom were also covering it, at the silent protest.

Organised by the Federation of Press Clubs of India, the Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps and the Press Association, everyone present signed a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It called for action against the perpetrators of such attacks but also sought a status report of the cases registered against the attacks and murders of journalists. The memorandum not only addresses physical attacks but also harassment and abuse of journalists on social media.

“We are demanding of the Centre and state governments to give a status report on all the attacks that are taking place on journalists and what have the governments done in those cases,” Sardesai told Newslaundry. He added the memorandum signed by the journalists would be submitted to the Home Minister on October 5.

Speaking to Newslaundry, Rahul Jalali, chairman of the Federation of Press Clubs of India, said presidents of all the press clubs will hold a meeting on October 5 to formulate a national legislation to ensure safety of journalists. “We are calling for a national legislation which gives protection to journalists. Not only their life but also compensates them in case they die during the course of their duty,” Jalali told Newslaundry. “Every day, a journalist is killed. Gauri Lankesh’s killing assumed proportions which were nationwide. But believe me, a small journalist is being massacred every day in small towns to quell their voice,” he added.

But the reason for choosing the Mahatma’s birth anniversary for the protest was different. Jalali said the day was chosen because “Gandhi, in a way, was the founder of free press”.

Veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury said it was sad that many senior leaders from the government have remained silent on the attacks and murders. “Ye bohot nirashajanak chees hai ki itne sarey murder ho gaye pichle saptaho me, lekin sarkaar ki taraf se koi bhi senior logo ne iski ninda nahi ki hai (So many murders have happened in the past week, it is sad that none of the senior leaders have condemned it),” Chowdhury told Newslaundry. 

But why a silent protest? Gautam Lahiri, the president of Press Club of India, Delhi, said, “Silence is golden and the message will go all out.” Adding to it, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta said, “Free and fair journalism was important to ensure that democratic institutions in this country are strong and get stronger.”

All photos by Shruti Menon.
The author can be contacted on Twitter @shrutimenon10