Freedom of the Mob

It is a very difficult time for journalists in India. In conflict zones like Kashmir and Chhattisgarh, they have become victims of State repression.

It is a very difficult time for journalists in India. In conflict zones like Kashmir and Chhattisgarh, they have become victims of State repression. They have been accused of being pro-separatists or pro-Maoists, depending on their field of work. They have also been subjected to attacks from political mobs and hooligans. In the national capital, hundreds of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) workers gathered outside a news channel office last week and resorted to vandalism. They were protesting against the airing of a conversation on the channel that alluded to their organisation’s ties with a Hindu terror network. After the attack, all that the Government did was utter a few words about freedom of press. The BJP first distanced itself from the attack, but in the same breath one of its leaders termed the attack “Gandhian”. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat reacted to the actions of his Swayamsewaks by saying that the RSS did not encourage violence. No matter what Bhagwat says, it is clear that those who led that attack had a clear mandate. While one can expect such rowdy behaviour from outfits like the RSS, what is surprising is that when such incidents take place, the Centre’s response is limited to issuing statements of condemnation. Invariably, no action is taken. In Maharashtra, Shiv Sainiks have repeatedly targeted the media, resorting to the kind of vandalism that their ideological cousins committed in Delhi. Unless such acts are dealt with severely, the media would remain susceptible to such brazen attacks.

About The Author

Rahul Pandita

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