Journalists March in Visakhapatnam* *Murder of Journalist in Chittoor District: A Matter of Grave Concern* *Form Committees to Curb Attacks* *Peaceful Demonstration by Working Journalists* *Memorandum Submitted to Joint Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari*

Visakhapatnam, May 2: N.A.J. (National Association of Journalists) Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists Federation State Secretary Gantla Srinubabu, and Visakhapatnam District President P. Narayana stated that the murder of journalist Jaganmohan Reddy in Chittoor district is a matter of grave concern. On Saturday, members of the A.P. Working Journalists Federation and the A.P. Broadcast, Small, and Medium Newspapers Association jointly staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Visakhapatnam District Collector's office. Speaking on the occasion, they demanded an end to the politics of violence and murder directed against journalists. They asserted that if anyone has objections regarding news published by journalists or media outlets, they should approach the courts or lodge complaints with the respective managements; resorting to murder instead is a heinous act. 

They noted that the brutal and inhumane murder of a journalist by miscreants has left the entire journalistic community across the state in a state of deep shock. They also condemned the recent attacks on two media representatives in Salur, terming them unacceptable. They urged the government to immediately revive the committees dedicated to curbing attacks on journalists within the state. 

They noted that the establishment of these committees would enable the District Collector...  The coalition stated that, under this framework, it would be possible to take timely action against those who engage in attacks. 

They asserted that the murder of—and attacks on—journalists who are striving for the development of society are unacceptable.  They demanded that the government take strict action against those responsible for murders and attacks. Furthermore, they urged the government to redouble its efforts to resolve the issues faced by journalists. While acknowledging that some issues have already been resolved, they emphasized that the responsibility for fulfilling the journalists' dream of owning their own homes lies squarely with the government. They added that initiatives such as renewing accident insurance policies and implementing pension schemes for journalists would go a long way in providing a sense of security to their families.

**"I Will Report to the Government" — JC Vidyadhari**

Following a peaceful demonstration, the journalists submitted two memorandums to the District Joint Collector, Gobbilla Vidyadhari. The memorandums requested that strict action be taken against those committing murders and attacks, and demanded the immediate revival of the 'Attacks Committees.' Ganta Srinu Babu stated that JC Vidyadhari responded positively to the journalists' representations. He mentioned that the JC assured them she would compile a special file containing these requests and forward the memorandums to the government through the District Collector. He further noted that the pending issues concerning journalists were also included in this compilation.

Participating in this event were G. Srinivasa Rao (General Secretary, Federation - Visakhapatnam District), Vice Presidents B. Sivaprasad, Krishnamurthy Naidu, Kishore, and Karra Seetharam; Irothi Eswara Rao and Kintada Madan (President and Secretary, Broadcast Association - Visakhapatnam District); Jaganmohan (President, Small and Medium Newspapers Association - Visakhapatnam District); Treasurer K.V. Sharma; Bobbara Prasad; Rajasekhar; and senior journalist R. Eruku Naidu, along with a large gathering of others.  Journalists participated in large numbers.

                 K.V.SHARMA EDITOR