TN journalists, parties condemn brutal attack on reporter

Chennai, March 4 (IANS) Journalist unions and political parties in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday condemned the brutal attack on a Tamil magazine journalist in Sivakasi."The attack on journalists are increasing in the country. Freedom of the press is the mark of democracy. And the threat for the freedom of the press shows that democracy is under constraint," L.R. Shankar, General Secretary, Madras Union of Journalists, said in a statement.He claimed the attack on journalist Karthi was in retaliation to a report about the ruling AIADMK party in 'Kumudum Reporter' magazine.The Madras Reporters Guild also condemned the brutal attack on Karthi who has been admitted to hospital."The Madras Reporters Guild urges the Tamil Nadu government, particularly the police department to investigate the attack and bring to book the culprits," President R. Rangaraj said.The two media organisations also urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure saferty of the journalists so that they can function freely without fear.DMK President M.K. Stalin also condemned the attack on Karthi and urged Chief Minister K. Palaniswami to take action against the attackers.MMK leader M.H. Jawahirullah also condemned the attack on the journalist and urged the AIADMK government in the state to take action against the attackers.
--IANS vj/kr