Times
of India: Mangalore: Saturday, 03 May 2014.
Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists'
Association has condemned a move by minister for youth empowerment and sports,
and fisheries K Abhayachandra Jain for allegedly threatening Yashodhar Bangera,
journalist from Moodbidri for seeking his reaction on the proposed ultra mega power
project (UMPP) at Niddodi in the minister's constituency of Mulki-Moodbidri.
The queries were based on facts emerging through use of RTI Act.
P B Harish Rai, president of the association said
move by the minister to threaten the journalist for asking the question on the
UMPP is a brazen attempt to curb freedom of press. Noting that such a move is
also unconstitutional, and an insult to democratic systems of functioning, Rai
said Jain rather than lose his cool, should have answered the same. By holding
out threat to journalist concerned, Jain is creating an atmosphere that is not
conducive for media to work.
Observing that such acts by persons in power will
also create a fear psychosis in society, Rai said the association will submit a
memorandum to the chief minister Siddaramaiah on May 3 urging him to take
necessary steps that will allow journalists discharge their duty without fear.
Incidentally, this is not first time that Jain has lost his temper in public.
He got in to a verbal fracas with auto rickshaw drivers who demanded that the
road in his constituency be repaired.
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