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IFJ & IJU demand action as fourth journalist killed in three months in India
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) in deploring the murder of a journalist in Faidpur, Bareily of Uttar Pradesh. The IFJ and the IJU demand immediate action from the local authorities to bring those responsible to justice, and action from the Indian Government to end the continued attacks and killings of journalists across the country.According to reports, local police saw two people dragging a body on Station Road in Faidpur in the early hours of Friday, August 14. Police immediately grabbed on the persons who was carrying the body of 42-year-old journalist, Sanjay Pathak, the second person quickly fled the scene. Initial investigations showed that Pathak was hit on the head several times with heavy object. Pathak was last seen talking to friends near his house in the Baxaria area late on Friday night. Police are investigating the case but the reason behind the murder is not immediately clear.Pathak is the fourth journalist to be murdered in India this year in a three month period and second in the Uttar Pradesh. Earlier this year, journalist Jagendra Singh was murdered in June in Uttar Pradesh. Raghavendra Dubey was murdered on July 17 in Mumbai, Maharastha, and Sandeep Kothari was burnt to death on June 19 in Madhya Pradesh.In a statement, IJU President S N Sinha, Vice-President Ambati Anjaneyulu, Secretary-General Amar Devulapalli, Press Council of India members K Amarnath and Prabhat Dash expressed serious concern over the murder of Pathak.The IJU said: “We are seriously concerned over the safety of journalists as four journalists were killed and about 13 journalists were brutally attacked since June, 2015. The situation is fast deteriorating in India’s most populous state.”The IJU reiterated its demand for a separate legislation for the safety of journalists.The IFJ said: “We strongly deplore this murder and condemn those responsible. The Indian Government needs to take immediate and decisive action to promptly investigate Sanjay Pathak’s killing and end the culture of violence against the country’s media.”The IFJ added: “The IFJ is concerned by the deteriorating safety situation for journalists in India. 2015 is fast becoming a dangerous year to be a media worker across the country. We join the IJU in for legislation for the safety of journalists, which will help assist in securing a safe working environment for the country’s media.”The IFJ express condolences for Sanjay Pathak’s family, friends and colleagues.