Govt to ensure freedom of media: Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 19 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today told the Assembly that the Government would ensure freedom of the press and not put journalists under a shadow of suspicion.

Replying to a submission by K Babu of Congress, he said the Government would not put scribes under a shadow of suspicion as alleged by the Opposition.

Mr Achuthanandan said his reply to the question, whether the Chief Minister had known about the functioning of a 'Media Syndicate in the state, on the floor of the House on March five, was being misinterpreted.

To the query, whether the Syndicate was working with CIA assistance, the Minister replied that such details could not be divulged.

''The Government would bring to the notice of the Centre, if any suspicious' activity was pointed out by the Intelligence. This should not be interpreted as a move against the freedom of the media,'' he said.

Intervening, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Oommen Chandy said with his reply, the Chief Minister had put media under a shadow of doubt.

Mr Chandy wanted Mr Achuthanandan to withdraw his reply given on March five on the floor of the House.

UNI