MP government committed to protect journalists: Minister

Indore :  Amid the widespread anger triggered by the killing of noted journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Madhya Pradesh government today said the police will ensure security of scribes in the state so that they carry out their duties with complete freedom and without any fear. Home Minister Bhupendra Singh said journalists in Madhya Pradesh will receive full cooperation and protection from the police.

“We have always taken attacks on journalists very seriously. We will ensure journalists perform their duties with complete independence and without any fear. Journalists will receive full cooperation and protection from the police,” he said. Singh was talking to reporters after holding a meeting with police officials here.

However, he did not comment on a question related to long-pending demand of journalists for a separate law in the state for their protection. The Kannada journalist-activist, 55, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

The home minister praised the ongoing campaign of the Indore Police to demolish the illegal properties of people with criminal antecedents. He said this campaign will be replicated in the entire state.