New Delhi/ Chandigarh, March 21 (TNT): The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) on Sunday condemned the forcible sealing of the United News of India (UNI) office in New Delhi, terming it an attack on press freedom.
In a statement, IJU President K. Srinivas Reddy and Secretary-General Balwinder Singh Jammu said the takeover of the UNI premises on Rafi Marg on March 20 evening, reportedly under High Court orders, was “deeply disturbing”.
They said the involvement of Delhi Police and Land and Development Office officials has triggered widespread concern among journalists, describing the move as an affront to the media, the fourth pillar of democracy.
The IJU alleged that the action was carried out without prior notice, with staff not allowed to collect personal belongings, and criticised it as resembling a police raid rather than due administrative process.
Expressing concern over reports that women journalists were manhandled, the union demanded a thorough probe into police conduct and action against those responsible.
Highlighting UNI’s long-standing reputation, the IJU said the agency has functioned as a key news hub in the capital for decades.
It said sealing the office at night and disrupting news operations amounted to intimidation of the media fraternity.
TNT TS
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