Delhi Union of Journalists protests against arrest of Bastar scribes

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) on Saturday expressed deep concern over the threats and harassment faced by journalists in Chhattisgarh, particularly the arrest of two journalists, Santosh Yadav and Somaru Nag under stringent non-bailable laws. 

The association also congratulated state’s journalists for holding a public meeting on Oct 10 and marching towards Chief Minster’s residence to demand <g data-gr-id="23">release</g> of the journalists. Santosh Yadav, who reported news for multiple Hindi newspapers like Dainik Navbharat and Dainik Chhattisgarh, was arrested on September 29. 

 His name was subsequently added to a case where 18 villagers are in prison, charged with an encounter with the security forces.

Somaru Nag, an Adivasi journalist who was a stringer-cum-news agent with the Rajasthan Patrika was arrested on July 16 and charged with keeping a look out for police while a group burnt a crusher plant employed in road construction.

Relatives, colleagues and human rights organisations have said that both journalists were beaten and tortured by the police after arrest.

DUJ demanded an end to <g data-gr-id="20">victimisation</g> of journalists in conflict areas where they are caught between the conflicting demands of rebel groups and state forces. 

 It demanded that media organisations should take responsibility for the protection of their stringers, reporters and other employees working in conflict areas.

The association also welcomed the unity displayed by journalists in Chhattisgarh over this issue.