EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Aug 30: Expressing concern over the arrest of a journalist at Kathua, the Sainik Samaj Party (SSP), JKUT has urged the Lt Governor to take cognizance of the matter, related with the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
SSP president Colonel (retd) SS Pathania (retd) said that the Article 19 of Constitution of India defines the right of freedom of speech and implies that every citizen has the right to express his views, opinion, beliefs and convictions freely by mouth, writing printing or through any other methods. He said that media as a fourth pillar of democracy and as a fourth estate, has a great role to connect with people and apprise government about the aspirations and expectations of people. In a vibrant democracy, media has the difficult role of ensuring that corruption, brutality, nexus between politicians, police, civil administration are brought out suitably without any prejudice, bias and vested interests.
Law enforcement agencies, no doubt doing a wonderful job, but sometimes aberrations, do happen and cognizance need to be taken to ensure dispensation of justice, Pathania said.
Media is the voice of common people and should not be influenced on any account and permit to work as per the rights enshrined in constitution. Media gagging is deplorable and not desirable in a democracy, he said.
Pathania expressed his solidarity with Press Club of Kathua and demanded an independent probe in the matter and ensure that guilty police personnel are brought to book.
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