NPA demands justice in Gauri’s murder case

Concerned by media division along ideological lines

Dimapur, September 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Press Association (NPA) has expressed shock at the assassination of senior journalist and editor, Gauri Lankesh, outside her home in Bangalore on September 5.  

The NPA put forward its solidarity with the rest of the media and human fraternity in demanding that those found guilty be brought to justice.  

In a press statement released today on behalf of Nagaland’s media fraternity, the NPA also remained concerned “by the manner in which the killing of Gauri Lankesh has been politicized even to the extent that the media has been divided along so called ideological lines.”  

Gauri Lankesh was the editor of weekly Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a known critic of right-wing extremism; she had raised her voice against powerful organisations.  

The NPA reminded in the light of the killing that as the fourth pillar of democracy, the press should remain conscious of its duties to “stand for truth, fairness and dialogue.”  

Maintaining that Gauri “paid the price for standing up for her beliefs,” the NPA maintained that “Violence and killing is not the way to confront our differences.”  

“In a democracy, which we have adopted, dissent is legitimate and part of free speech. If there is anything that is contrary to the spirit of our democracy and rule of law, the judiciary is there to address grievances and give justice. Resorting to violence is not only undemocratic but it makes us unworthy as humans—valuing life and order,” the NPA stated.  

The Association affirmed that “dialogue remains the best way forward to resolve whatever differences people may have.”