Rampur: Amid rising concerns over press freedom and journalist safety, the Gramin Anchalik Patrakar Association (Rural Regional Journalists Association) has strongly condemned the recent attack on a newspaper office in Meerut. Speaking at a key meeting held in Rampur, National President Anil Chaudhary stated that such attacks are not just assaults on media outlets but on the very foundations of democracy.
“Journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy, and attacking a journalist’s office is equivalent to attacking democracy itself,” said Chaudhary.
The meeting took place at Ambedkar Park’s Mood Food Restaurant, chaired by Chaudhary and coordinated by journalist Parvez Khan. Earlier in the day, the national president received a warm welcome by Rampur district president Shahbaz Khan and several senior journalists including Parvez Khan, Aseem Aziz, Saifi Nizami, Nadeem Miyan, Nawaz Khan, Imran Khan, and Shariq Khan.
Strong Words Against Growing Attacks
Referring to the Meerut incident, Chaudhary emphasized the urgency of action:
“This isn’t just an attack on one newsroom—it’s an attack on the entire journalist fraternity. We will pursue legal action against the perpetrators and stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected media house.”
Chaudhary voiced deep concern over the deteriorating safety of journalists across the country, stating that the days when truth-tellers were respected are being replaced by violence and suppression.
Insurance and Healthcare on Agenda
In a significant development, Chaudhary highlighted the association’s initiative to insure journalists for ₹5 lakh. He further announced plans to meet with Health Ministry officials to push for free medical treatment for working journalists under a national scheme.
“Our numbers may be small, but our voice is united. We want only those journalists in our organization who are committed and dedicated to truth and the cause of journalism,” he added.
Expansion Plans and Local Strengthening
The association proudly declared the successful formation of strong units in Pilibhit and Rampur, with many more districts set to follow. Chaudhary urged local journalists to remain united and work collectively toward securing rights and safety for the profession.
Rampur district president Shahbaz Khan also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of a united front in defending journalistic values.
Attendees
Among those present were prominent journalists including Parvez Khan, Saifi Nizami, Aseem Aziz, Nawaz Khan, Shariq Khan, Imran Khan, Azam Khan, Fawwad Khan, Prabhat Bhardwaj, and Aleem Khan, all of whom expressed solidarity with the association’s goals.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advocate for journalist rights and press safety across the state and beyond.
