A television journalist in action in Ambala during the farmers' protests on February 13, 2024.
New Delhi: Two journalists were confirmed to have sustained injuries because of police action while covering the farmers’ protests at the Shambhu border of the national capital on February 13, 2024. The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) cited “unconfirmed reports” saying that many other journalists too got injured, and expressed its deep concerns over their injuries.
One of the journalists among those injured by police action during the protests was Satender Chauhan, a correspondent for Aajtak, who was ‘live’ on the channel when hit by a ‘chharra’ in the eye area. The channel showed a colleague helping him to leave the spot. He was taken to hospital.
Niel Bhalinder Singh of the Savera group of newspapers was taken to hospital bleeding heavily as a tear gas shell fired by a drone fell on his head.
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The Patiala Media Club and the Chandigarh Press Club demanded safety for journalists covering such events.
The DUJ stated it was also concerned at the internet shutdown imposed in seven districts of Haryana and three districts of Rajasthan which made it extremely difficult for journalists to cover the protests. They also noted that social media accounts of some journalists including Mandeep Punia of Gaon Savera had allegedly been taken down.
In a statement, the DUJ condemned the violence on protesting farmers that has led to injuries and hospitalizations. It urged the central government to ensure that the farmers’ demands were settled “amicably”.
– global bihari bureau
