Attack on Journalism

Media is described as the fourth pillar of democracy. Journalists are the hand and feet of media while journalism is the base of media. Attack on journalists is in fact an attack on democracy. But despite this belief journalism has many times faced such situations where journalists or media men have been assaulted physically by not only mafia goons but many times by the political party workers and politically sponsored radicals. Jammu and Kashmir, barring militancy related incidents, has been to some extent a safe place for journalists till recent. Although some heated arguments may have taken place many times between journalists and people during coverage of the incidents with regard to the process or the attitude of the organizers. But such incidents are momentary and are solved within no time by both organizers and the media men.  But now, the attack on journalists at ‘Gujjroo-Nagrota’ in Kathua district has come as a shock and a warning signal for both the UT government and for the media men also. A journalist was physically assaulted and thrashed by the goons of a political Leader ‘Mr. Tripathi.’ He is said to be the leader of BJP, but it is really surprising how a “Tripathi” has become a resident of Jammu and Kashmir and that too of a remote area of ‘Gujjroo – Nagrota.’ Interestingly no action till last reports came in has been taken by the High Command of the BJP. The more worrisome is the post attack development wherein another female journalist who interviewed the victim journalist and has filed a story about the so called leader of BJP Mr. Tripathi’, has been threatened with dire consequences for filing any story against BJP leaders. She has received several verbal and telephonic calls ad has been threatened to be raped if she dared to go against BJP leader. Is this the peaceful, full of justice, impartial, independent and fearless atmosphere promised by the union government of BJP to  the people of Jammu Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370?