Political Parties, Press Club Slam Punjab Police Action Over Newspaper Delivery Raids
In Punjab, distribution of several newspapers was delayed in various parts of the state this morning due to intensive police checking of vehicles carrying the publications. This police action has received condemnation from political leaders and Chandigarh Press Club as well. It is being alleged by various leaders of the opposition parties that the government has reportedly conducted raids and blocked newspaper distribution across the state to stop a particular news from reaching the public.
Punjab BJP has termed it as an undeclared emergency imposed by the Kejriwal-Mann government. Condemning the action in the strongest terms, the Party said Punjab will not bow down to dictatorship. No one can suppress the voice of truth.
Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa has said that the raids on newspaper delivery vans across Punjab are a chilling attack on press freedom.
The BJP MLA from Pathankot, Ashwani Sharma said that this is for the first time since the imposition of the Emergency by then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi that an attempt has been made in Punjab to choke and intimidate the media. He termed it as an unannounced emergency imposed by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt, Pargat Singh termed this act as a direct attack on Press Freedom in Punjab. This is a silent emergency being imposed in the state which Punjab will not tolerate.
Shiromani Akali Dal President, Sukhbir Badal has also condemned the act and said the party stands for the freedom of the media.
The Chandigarh Press Club, in a press statement, has strongly condemned the police action and has urged the Punjab Government to immediately intervene, ensure the unhindered distribution of newspapers, and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of the press.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police has stated that it has undertaken the checking of vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, carrying various types of goods on specific intelligence inputs. A Punjab Police Spokesperson said that in the aftermath of ‘Operation Sindoor’ the anti-national forces from across the border have been innovative in changing their modus operandi and their activities have increased.
