Justice for Soumya campaign launched

New Delhi, Oct 4: Mourning the tragic murder of young journalist Soumya Vishwanathan, mediapersons on Saturday, Oct 4 launched a 'Justice for Soumya Campaign', demanding early arrest of the culprit and safer roads for working women of the capital.

At a Prayer meeting held at the Press Club of India, a resolution was passed demanding investigation in the murder of Headlines Today journalist at a faster pace and arrest of the culprits. A signature campaign was also launched conveying the anguish and grief of mediapersons who wanted that justice be done to the journalist. The Resolution would later be presented to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

Launching a scathing attack over Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for making an ''insensitive and atrocitious statement' blaming Soumya for inviting trouble by becoming ''adventurous'' by being alone on the road at 0300 hrs, the media fraternity wanted an unconditional apology and better policing and security for commuters on Delhi roads. They demanded a safer Delhi for women and curbing rising crime in the capital.

Indian Women's Press Corps General Secretary T K Rajalakshmi while condemning Ms Dikshit for making such comment demanded more accountability and responsibility of media organisations in providing safe night drop facilities.

PCI General Secretary Pushpendra Kulshrestha demanded that the police must go into the bottom of the dastardly act and find out who brutally murdered Soumya and why.

Souyma's friends, colleagues and former teachers remembered her vivacious, friendly and fearless personality and vowed that they would not sit back till justice was given to her. Media persons from various publications and electronic media converged in large number to express solidarity with Soumya's family, friends and support the demand for justice.

UNI