NBA condemns police action against media!

In a press statement issued to the media, News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed deep shock and concern that several journalists, camera persons and media crew from various news channels have been injured in the police action yesterday at India Gate and expensive broadcast equipments have been damaged. The fact that water canons were used at specific media locations and journalists even with mikes in their hands were injured suggests that the media was targeted.

The News Broadcaster's Association (NBA) has asserted that all member channels have reported the protests over the last few days with great maturity, sensitivity and restraint. Any police action against the reporters is therefore unacceptable and condemned in no uncertain terms. It would be a sad day for the country, and democracy, if any attempt is made to muzzle the media.

NBA member channels, and indeed, most of the news media, have condemned the violence that has crept into the protests and have repeatedly advised restraint and requested for peace and calm. However it is the job of the news media to report on events factually and it has done this in the last few days in a balanced manner. The NBA has appealed to the Government to ensure that media is allowed to perform their duty in a free and fearless manner.