‘Hey journalists, maintain distance’: Sukhu govt’s Kullu Dussehra diktat sparks controversy
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Restrictions on media during festival raises concerns, says BJP’s Vishva Chakshu
Dharamshala: The just-concluded vibrant and culturally rich International Kullu Dussehra Festival has become the centre of a new controversy.
Vishva Chakshu, BJP state co-incharge for media and former media coordinator to the Chief Minister, has raised serious concerns over recent restrictions imposed on media personnel during the event.
Chakshu criticised the guidelines issued during Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Kullu, which mandated that “journalists maintain a considerable distance from the Chief Minister”. The orders further instructed media personnel to wear identification badges in a prescribed manner, limiting their ability to freely cover the event.
While the government cited security as the primary reason for these restrictions, Chakshu questioned whether such measures were an attempt to curb press freedom “Media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy,” Chakshu remarked, “but when you bind the media with such limitations, it raises serious concerns about how public issues will be addressed. If citizens are facing similar restrictions in approaching the Chief Minister with their grievances, where does that leave their voice?”
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He warned that if such restrictions become commonplace, the very fabric of democracy could be at risk. “Media plays a crucial role in highlighting public concerns and ensuring transparency. Imposing boundaries like these can have a direct impact on the ability of journalists to perform their duties effectively,” he added.
The guidelines included the need for proper identification and verification by police officers, which Chakshu argued it could undermine media independence. “When reporters cannot move freely to gather information, it affects the quality and authenticity of their journalism. These restrictions are not just a concern for the media but for our democracy as a whole,” he said.
Chakshu raised a broader question: “Are governments trying to control the media? If such directives become the norm, will we see a day when journalists need permission to report?” He emphasised that such actions could weaken the foundations of democracy, as the press plays an essential role in disseminating information and raising public concerns.
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He concluded by stating that the recent restrictions at Kullu Dussehra were not just an issue for journalists but a serious threat to democratic values. “The freedom of the press must be preserved at all costs, as it is critical to ensuring accountability in governance and protecting the rights of the public,” Chakshu asserted.
The incident has sparked debate over the balance between security and freedom of the press, with many wondering if the government’s real objective was public safety or merely an attempt to stifle dissenting voices.
