THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, Jan 8: In protest against the brutal murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, the Press Club of Jamshedpur, led by President Sanjeev Bhardwaj, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh through the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum on Wednesday. In the absence of the Deputy Commissioner, the delegation handed over the memorandum to ADM Law & Order Aniket Sachan.
The memorandum demanded a fair and high-level investigation into the murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, urging the Chhattisgarh government to ensure the perpetrators are given the strictest punishment. The delegation also called on the state government to clarify its role in ensuring justice for the slain journalist.
Call for Journalist Protection Law in Jharkhand
Simultaneously, the delegation also submitted a letter to the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, condemning the recent incident in Giridih where journalists were assaulted while collecting news related to illegal toll tax collection.
The delegation demanded immediate action from the state government to ensure the safety of journalists. In particular, they called for the establishment of a Journalist Protection Law in Jharkhand to safeguard the rights and security of reporters.
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The delegation further emphasized the need for an in-depth investigation before registering cases against journalists under charges such as obstruction of government work. They demanded immediate action against individuals involved in crimes against journalists, including swift arrests.
Push for financial security for journalists and their families
The memorandum stressed that in cases where journalists are killed or injured, both economic and social security for the journalists and their families must be ensured.
Additionally, the delegation urged the government to introduce provisions for insurance or group insurance for journalists and their families, as well as pension or special packages as financial support.
The delegation included Press Club President Sanjeev Bhardwaj, former President B. Srinivas, General Secretary Vikas Srivastava, former General Secretary Shyam Jha, Joint Secretary Ved Prakash Gupta, Kulwinder Singh, Madan Sahu, Mohammad Anwar, Nikhil Sinha, Chandrashekhar, Dhananjay Kumar, Dashmat Soren, and others.
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