In a distressing incident, journalists Charanjeet Singh and cameraman Balwinder Singh faced severe misconduct while covering events related to police actions at the Akal Bunga in Gurdwara.
The Punjab and Chandigarh Journalists Union vehemently condemned the reprehensible behavior, calling for strong action against the responsible police officials. Balwinder Jammu, Chairman of the Journalists Union, Executive Director Jay Singh Chhabra, and Secretary General Pal Singh Naouli have demanded an investigation into the assault on the journalist and cameraman.
According to the journalists’ account of the incident, police officers assaulted Charanjeet Singh, breaking two bones in his hand when he resisted an attempt to snatch his camera. The Journalists Union is urging action against the involved police officers, stressing the need to safeguard journalists from such attacks.
Charanjeet Singh detailed that the police also used force against him, causing significant distress and impairing his hearing due to the intensity of the assault. The Union plans to bring the matter to the attention of Punjab’s Minister of Public Relations, Bhagwant Singh Mann, and DGP Gaurav Yadav, urging swift resolution of the issue.
Expressing their concern, the Union underscored the vital importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists in the course of their duties. Balwinder Singh, the assaulted cameraman, reported that the police confiscated his mobile phone during the incident, which contained videos and photos documenting the police’s excessive actions.
The incident raises serious questions about the treatment of journalists covering events of public interest and the need for accountability when law enforcement is involved. The assault on journalists while on duty is a direct infringement on press freedom and poses a threat to the democratic principles that underpin a free and informed society.
The Journalists Union’s call for a thorough investigation is a step toward ensuring accountability for those responsible for the assault. Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding authorities accountable, and any attack on them is an attack on the democratic values that societies cherish.
The incident also highlights the broader challenges faced by journalists globally, where they often find themselves in the line of fire while reporting on sensitive issues. Governments and law enforcement agencies must recognize and respect the role of journalists in a democratic society, ensuring their safety and protection from unwarranted aggression.
The confiscation of the cameraman’s mobile phone, containing evidence of the police actions, raises concerns about potential attempts to suppress information. The right of journalists to document events and provide a transparent view to the public is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society.
