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Security agencies are on high alert as Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo gears up for a first-of-its-kind gathering of journalists called by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on Friday to discuss what he calls media censorship and fake news in Punjab.

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This comes after the recent crackdown on the organisation Waris Punjab De on March 18, which has resulted in allegations of censorship on some media outlets and journalists in the state.

The Jathedar had called the gathering shortly after Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, who is on the run since March 18, urged him in a video message to call a Sarbat Khalsa on the occasion of Baisakhi on April 14.

Sukhdev Singh Phagwara of the Alliance of Sikh Organisations (ASO), which is closely assisting Akal Takht Jathedar in hosting this gathering, said many journalists have reported raids on their houses and confiscation of their electronic devices. Freelance journalists have been particularly affected by the crackdown, he claimed.

The gathering will also address the issue of fake news and hate speech in the region. The SGPC has alleged that many Sikh practices have been misrepresented in the national media, leading to misunderstandings and tensions between communities. The journalists gathering is expected to provide a platform to discuss how to tackle these issues and ensure responsible reporting in future.

Although police officials are tightlipped, sources said that Amritpal can use any historic gurudwara, especially one of the three Takhts in Punjab, to surrender.

Punjab Police recently arrested Punjabi Radio host Sukhnaib Sidhu under serious non-bailable Sections for posting a video that was critical of a man who allegedly gave a call to protest against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwnat Manns family. Sukhnaib was released the next day; no charges were pressed against him.

Sukhdev Singh said: Censorship of the media was not limited to the Waris Punjab De crackdown. It was widespread, and many journalists had submitted a memorandum to Akal Takht Sahib after their houses were raided by police, and their pages, channels, and social media accounts were blocked. Freelance journalists were the most affected. This is why Akal Takht Jathedar decided to convene a gathering of journalists and discuss this extraordinary situation not only to address the current challenges but also to develop a plan on how to react to such attacks on the media in future.

He said, Although most journalists who have faced restrictions and police heat come from the Sikh community, I also know a Hindu journalist called to a police station over a news item. So this gathering is not limited to Sikh journalists. It is an open invitation to all journalists who want to protect Punjab from false propaganda of respective governments. We are hoping for a constructive outcome out of this gathering for healthy journalism in Punjab.

Recently, the Editors Guild of India had released a statement and expressed deep concern about arbitrary suspension of social media accounts of several journalists and media organisations in Punjab.

The Indian Express (P) Ltd

First published on: 07-04-2023 at 01:52 IST

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Akal Takht Jathedar to host gathering on media censorship today, agencies on alert - The Indian Express