Editors Guild of India condemns attacks on journalists in West Bengal during polling

The Editors Guild of India called on EC to take action against those attacking journalists and urged the West Bengal govt ensure law and order.

Representational photo | Paramilitary soldiers check identity cards of voters before they enter a polling station during the 5th phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Howrah district, West Bengal| Photo: Swapan Mahapatra

New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India condemned the physical attacks on journalists in West Bengal on 6 May during the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha election, and demanded action.

In its statement, the guild said several journalists belonging to different media organisations including NewsX, ABP Ananda and Zee News were attacked, allegedly by workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

“Physical attacks against journalists are always reprehensible, but particularly so during elections as they undermine fair media scrutiny of an election.

“The Guild urges the Election Commission of India to initiate necessary action against those who indulged in physical violence against journalists and asks the TMC-led West Bengal government to ensure law and order in the state so that journalists are not attacked by political parties and they can perform their professional duties safely,” the statement read.

Violence broke out during the voting, resulting in opposition parties demanding repoll in various booths across seven constituencies. Opposition parties attacked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for instigating violence, though the ruling party blamed the BJP and the CPI(M) for it.

At least 12 people, including five journalists were injured in the scuffles that broke out at different places, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab said Monday.

The incidents were reported from Bangaon (SC), Barrackpore, Hooghly and Howrah constituencies, an official said.

(With PTI inputs)