Press freedom is essential and fundamental to the functioning of a vibrant democracy. Freedom is the most precious gift which has been bestowed upon every individual and the whole mankind.
The present dispensation is dragging India towards one-party rule and totalitarianism. This is evident from the day one of the present dispensation. The things have gone so bad that people feel that they are facing an emergency like atmosphere. They fear that they may lose their freedom, liberty and dignity.
The recent intimidating raids and illegal searches in several places on honest and fearless journalists, by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, have been severely condemned by the whole country. Eighteen press associations have appealed to the Chief Justice of India to intervene and protect the freedom of press which is vital to the functioning of democracy which is under threat. NewsClick has alleged that neither the copy of FIR was given nor the journalists were informed about their offences which its people are charged with.
All these anti-freedom exercises are being carried out under the draconian provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). NewsClick founder and prominent journalist Prabir Purkayastha has been arrested under UAPA. Are our journalists terrorists? They are the conscience keepers of the nation and watchdogs of democracy. The whole world has taken serious note of this shameful attack on freedom of expression and press freedom.
It appears that the present ruling dispensation which has lost the confidence of the people is hell bent on muzzling the press. The infamous godi media is hailing the questionable moves of the government and supporting its anti-people and anti-freedom exercises. It seems the ruling party has sensed the wind of change is blowing. It wants to stick to power by hook or by crook however harmful it may be for the future of the country.
Intellectuals, opinionmakers and honest citizens are appalled on the deteriorating situation in the country. Having devalued all fundamental principles of democracy, and after resorting to divide and rule and worst communal polarization policies, now the ruling party has come down to use of intimidation and arm-twisting tactics.
In the past the Supreme Court had called the CBI a caged parrot. Now we feel the ED is being used as a bulldozer to destroy democracy. The things are very serious and portents are full of dangers and the country is in a mess. Inflation is skyrocketing, unemployment is expanding and law and order is collapsing. This is the time when every citizen should stand up and protect the country by protecting the fundamental rights, basic freedoms and liberty, equality and fraternity of the people.
If we do not act now, our succeeding generations will not forgive us. Freedom and democracy is in peril. We have to defend it with our soul and heart and mind. It should be done peacefully and unitedly. May God save the country and protect its citizens, the largest concentration of humans in the world.