The Indian Journalist Association submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner against the brutal assault on female journalists.

Compromising the dignity of female journalists
is not tolerable – Irshad Qureshi

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra.

The Indian Journalist Association® Marathwada, Maharashtra, lodged a strong protest against the alleged assault by the Delhi Police on female journalists Shaheen Khan (4 PM News Network) and Nafisa Khan (freelance journalist). Describing the alleged mistreatment, indecency, and assault of journalists as a serious attack on democratic values ​​and independent journalism, the organization submitted a seven-point memorandum of demands to the Honorable President through the Divisional Commissioner, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The memorandum stated that journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy. Any form of violence, intimidation, harassment, or obstruction of news coverage against journalists is not only a violation of a journalist’s rights, but also a serious issue affecting the public’s right to know, freedom of expression, and the democratic system.
The Indian Journalist Association (IJA) demanded an impartial, independent, transparent, and high-level investigation into the alleged assault on Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan. Strict and legal action should be taken against the police officers found guilty, eliminating any possibility of influencing the investigation. The organization also demanded the implementation of clear security protocols to ensure the dignity and safety of women journalists and to allow them to work fearlessly during news coverage, demonstrations, protests, site visits, government offices, and public places. The memorandum also demanded the immediate registration of FIRs and timely investigations upon receiving complaints of assault, intimidation, forced detention, seizure of cameras or other equipment, obstruction of news coverage, or harassment. The association demanded the establishment of a special monitoring mechanism to review at a high level the alleged false cases filed against journalists for malicious, vindictive, or pressure purposes, and to provide legal assistance to journalists when necessary. The organization also strongly urged the central government to enact an effective and practical Journalists’ Protection Law to protect journalists. The memorandum stated that a strong legal system is needed to ensure immediate and effective action against incidents of assault, threats, harassment, and pressure on journalists.
Marathwada State Patron and Editor of Dainik Aurangabad Citizens, Irshad Qureshi, stated that the alleged assault on female journalists is extremely concerning. Journalists do not perform their duties for personal gain, but to provide authentic information to society and the public. He stated that the dignity, safety, and respect of female journalists cannot be compromised under any circumstances. The administration should conduct an impartial investigation into the matter and bring out the truth, and if anyone is found guilty, strict action should be taken against them.
Marathwada State President Mohammad Tabish stated that attacks on journalists are an attempt to suppress the voice of democracy. He stated that when journalists report on an incident, they fulfill their responsibility to present the truth to society. If journalists themselves are not safe, how can they fearlessly highlight public problems and important issues related to governance and administration He stated that an impartial investigation into the incident involving female journalists and action against the culprits is essential.
State Organization Secretary Sayyed Anwar Qadri stated that journalists across the country face various forms of pressure, intimidation, and harassment. Reports often surface of journalists being prevented from covering news, threatened, or having their equipment confiscated. He stated that in such circumstances, effective legislation is crucial for journalists’ safety. He urged the central government to take the demand for a Journalist Protection Act seriously.
District President Kaleemuddin stated that the organization will not back down at any level on the issue of journalists’ safety and dignity. He stated that journalists across the country must unite and raise their voices democratically and legally to protect their rights and safety. He described the Journalist Protection Act as one of the most important needs of the time.
Hussain Patel of ADN News stated that journalists often risk their lives gathering news and photographs at the scene. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the police and administration to provide a safe environment for journalists. He stated that preventing journalists from covering news or unnecessarily obstructing their work poses a serious challenge to democratic journalism. He demanded the implementation of clear guidelines for journalist safety.
Lokmat journalist Salman Khan stated that the fundamental purpose of journalism is to convey facts and truth to the public. Intimidation or pressure against journalists will directly impact the information reaching the public. He stated that it is the government’s responsibility to provide a fear-free environment for journalists, and concrete steps should be taken in this direction.
The Indian Journalist Association (IJA) clarified that if effective steps are not taken to ensure the safety, respect, and independent journalism of journalists, the organization will be forced to organize a phased agitation program by uniting journalists across the country through democratic and legal means. The organization stated that its objective is not to oppose any organization or individual, but to protect the constitutional rights, safety, and dignity of journalists.
During this meeting, journalists and organization officials pledged solidarity to ensure justice, safety, and respect for female journalists Shaheen Khan and Nafisa Khan, and to protect journalistic freedom.
In the program, Editor and State Patron of Dainik Aurangabad Citizens Marathwada Irshad Qureshi, State President Marathwada Mohammad Tabish, State Organization Secretary Sayyed Anwar Qadri, District President of Aurangabad Times Kalimuddin, Hussain Patel of ADN News, Salman Khan of Lokmat, District Organization Secretary Syed Zakir Ahmad, District General Secretary Azim Khan along with a large number of journalists and organization officials were present.