IJU condemns emergency, scribes' arrest in Pakistan

Hyderabad, Nov 4 (UNI) The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) today criticised the imposition of emergency in Pakistan by President Pervez Musharraf and the arrest of several journalists, including South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) Secretary-General Imtiaz Alam.

In a press release here, IJU Secretary General K Srinivasa Reddy said, ''We strongly denounce the suspension of all fundamental and human rights, including the freedom of press in the country and closing down of all private television news channels and imposition of press censorship.'' Demanding immediate release of Imtiaz Alam and other arrested journalists and restoration of freedom of the press, Mr Reddy said ''the IJU expresses solidarity with the muzzled voices of journalists in Pakistan and we would extend complete and unequivocal moral support to them''.

Calling upon the journalists' community in the country to rally behind the struggling journalists in Pakistan, he urged the Indian Government to condemn the action in Pakistan.

UNI