India in awkward position as four journalists killed in six months

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published June 07, 2017 |  Nava Thakuria

As 2017 rolls on, India stands at an awkward position over the journo-murder index. The populous country has witnessed the murder of at least four professional journalists in six months. Shockingly, the largest democracy in the globe has also earned a bad name by not bringing the culprits to justice prompting the media fraternity to continue pressing for a special protection law for journalists on duty.

The year started with the sad news as the dead body of a Jharkhand-based scribe was recovered from Hazaribagh locality in the first week.

Hari Prakash, 31, whose body was found on 2 January by the roadside, was missing for some days. The family members of Hari, who was a law graduate and used to work for a Hindi daily, alleged that he was kidnapped with the intention of killing him.

Another bad news awaited the media as a Bihar-based journalist was shot dead in Samastipur locality on 3 January by some unidentified goons. Brajesh Kumar Singh, 28, received serious injuries to his head and died on the spot. He was the third journalist assisinated in Bihar within a year after Rajdeo Ranjan and Dharmendra Kumar Singh were killed last year.

The third and fourth incidents involving the murder of working journalists were reported from Madhya Pradesh. Shyam Sharma, 40, who was associated with a local evening newspaper, was stabbed to death in Anshul locality of Indore on 15 May. Shyam received multiple injuries and died on the spot. Meanwhile, the local police arrested two individuals suspecting their primary role in the murder.

On the other hand, Kamlesh Jain, 42, was shot dead in his office at Pipliyamandi locality of Mandsaur on the evening of 31 May. Kamlesh was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the attending doctors declared him dead.  According to the police on duty, two assailants entered Kamlesh’s office and one of them shot him. They quickly fled on a motorcycle.

Working for Hindi daily Nai Dunia, the journalist recently exposed few local people involved in illegal liquor trade through a number of roadside dhabas (restaurants). He was also threatened by those criminals with dire consequences a few days before being killed. The police took prompt action and arrested two individuals suspecting their role in the crime.

Various media organizations like Madhya Pradesh Journalist Union (MPJU), Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA), National Federation of Newspaper Employees (NFNE), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and others have expressed serious concern over the murder of the journalists and asked the responsible authorities to book the culprits under the law of the land.

Condemning the assassinations of Shyam and Kamlesh, the IFJ commented: “Two murders in nearly two weeks illustrate the dangerous conditions that journalists in India are facing.” 

The IFJ called on Indian authorities to immediately and thoroughly investigate these murders and bring those responsible to justice.

In a recent statement, the IFJ disclosed that 93 journalists were killed last year around the world, where India contributed six victims to the list.

(The writer is a northeast India-based journalist and secretary Guwahati Press Club)

Image courtesy: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/southasia/

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.