Hyderabad, March 24: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today delcared that any attack on Press freedom will not be tolerated and said those who respect press freedom should condemn any attack on the Media.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the Government will protect the freedom of the press. However, he added the media should have self-regulation. He pointed out that allegations should be cross-verified and opinions of both sides should be covered.
Mr Rosaiah was informally talking to media-persons after receiving a memorandum submitted by senior journalists at the Chief Minister’s chambers in the Assembly against the attack on ABN–Andhra Jyothi offices by the Praja Rajyam Partymen.
The attack was against freedom of the press, they complained.
Some of them also alleged that the attack was pre-planned. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the journalists and said such incidents should be prevented.
The Chief Minister said, ”the Government will take action against attack of media. We shall protect the freedom of the press. Action will be taken as per law.” He said action has already been initiated in the case. The Government will take steps to prevent such incidents, he added. He advised the media persons to have self-regulation and cross verification before publishing new stories.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in principle seems to have agreed to declare Polavaram project as a national project. He said all terms and conditions in this regard has been already cleared.
Dr Rosaiah said the Government is also trying to get Pranahitha- Chevella project to be declared as a National Project. The Chief Minister hinted that he might visit Delhi after the conclusion of the ongoing Assembly session and is waiting for AICC President’s appointment to discuss various important State issues.
——–Agencies