AMRITSAR: The local unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party observed “withdraw defamation bill” day here today.
Party workers held a rally and burnt the copies of the Bill.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Baldev Parkash, All India Vice President of the party, said the bill was dangerous for the functioning ‘of democratic institutions in the country.
Describing it as a blatant attempt to throttle the Press, he said the Government should withdraw it immediately.
JAMMU: The Defamation Bill has received stiff resistance from various political and social organisations in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a press note issued here today, the National Mazdoor Conference demanded withdrawal of the bill.
Meanwhile, BJP workers held rallies in the city in protest against the Bill.
SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Working Journalists Union today appealed to journalists who have been invited by the Government for discussions on the Bill to reject the offer.
“Journalists in the country want nothing less than withdrawal of the draconian Bill” the Union said.
Mr. K.S. Tomar and Mr. P.N. Sharma, President and General Secretary, respectively of the Union urged the journalists in the State to wear black badges for three days from September 14, A big rally was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha near Scandal Point here in protest against the Defamation Bill. The speakers included the State BJYM. President, Mr. Suresh Bhardwaj and the city BJP General Secretary, Mr. KN, Lal alleged that the Bill was intended to impose undeclared emergency.
Phagwara (FOC): The district unit of the BJP held protest meetings today to express solidarity with agitating newsmen and in observance of anti-Defamation Bill day today.
The meetings termed the Bill as an attack on the freedom of the Press and curtailment of civil liberties.
Karnal (FOC): Editors and senior journalists took a pledge here today to fight for protecting the freedom of the Press. Mr. K.B. Pandit, Vice President, Haryana Union of Journalist while condemning the Bill, demanded its unconditional withdrawal.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 23, 1988
