ITANAGAR, Mar 3: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Electronic Media Association (AEMA) held a meeting today here at the Arunachal Press Club and took strong exception to the misconduct by both security forces and protesters against journalists on field duty during the recent anti-PRC agitation in the capital.
While reporters on ground were very much aware of the sentiments and situation at that time and made conscious attempts to identify themselves to both the protesters and the security personnel, several reporters were not only verbally abused but were also manhandled.
The APUWJ, APC and AEMA took note of incidents wherein security personnel snatched cameras, mobile phones, memory card from reporters. Some of the items were destroyed in front of on-duty magistrates even after the reporters identified themselves. Others were reportedly beaten by the security forces even as they produced their identity cards.
Although the on-field reporters took utmost care not to agitate the protesters, there were instances where agitators took to heckling and attacking journalists.
Unidentified miscreants hurled a bottle at a reporter that hit her neck and shattered on impact. The shattered glass not only hurt her neck and shoulder, but also cut her hands and feet. In another case, the scooter of a media person was snatched away despite producing the identity card. He is yet to get back the scooter.  
While it is understood and repeatedly announced that journalists are exempted from the purview of bandhs and protests, several reporters had to abandon their vehicles and producing identity cards proved to be futile effort.
Condemning the unruly behaviour of the agitators, APUWJ, APC and AEMA called on the organisations to educate their activists on ways to behave with media and cautioned that action will be taken against such organisations.
The APUWJ, APC and AEMA understand that magistrates and police personnel work under extreme pressure, but it does not justify their act of destroying property and manhandling journalists even after identification.
It is pertinent to note that although internet shutdown had caused some delay in disseminating information digitally, several television channels were broadcasting and a few newspapers managed to get published and provided  information to the public working in extreme difficult situations.
The members of these three bodies have also warned of non-cooperation if similar incidents happen to the media persons in future. APC release

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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