United News of India office sealed, PCI slams manhandling of journalists
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New Delhi: The Press Club of India (PCI) on Saturday expressed deep shock and condemnation over the alleged “manhandling” of journalists during the sealing of the United News of India (UNI) premises following a high court order.
In a statement, the PCI said several journalists at the agency claimed they were physically removed from their workplace by Delhi Police and CRPF personnel “by use of force” and were not allowed to collect their personal belongings.
“The PCI expresses deep shock at the manhandling of journalists while at work at the United News of India premises at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, by police last evening following a court order regarding a land dispute,” the statement said. The PCI also condemned in the “strongest possible” terms the highhandedness, including the treatment of women employees.
The organisation emphasised that the right to work is a constitutional right and expressed solidarity with the affected journalists. It added that authorities should have exercised restraint, particularly as journalists had informed them that management had not yet communicated the need to vacate the premises despite the court order.
“PCI urges the authorities to take prompt action against whoever was responsible for such misconduct, as it would help instil confidence within the journalist fraternity that the right to work of the press is an important part of a democracy,” the statement added.
The UNI premises were sealed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Land and Development Office (L&DO) on Friday, March 20, following a high court directive. UNI described the move as an “unprecedented atrocity” and an “attack on freedom of media.”
With PTI inputs