Indian journalists in UK voice concern over attacks on scribes

Indian journalists based in the UK on Friday expressed "grave concern" over the recent attack on media persons in a court premises in New Delhi and sought action against those found guilty.

The London-based Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) Europe issued a statement expressing "grave concern over the recent attacks on journalists in the Patiala House court premises in New Delhi."

"Indian journalism has a long history of performing its vital function, and any attempts to hinder the work of journalists can only be detrimental to democratic traditions that India is justly proud of.

"The IJA calls upon all stakeholders to take action against which there is evidence, recognise and value the role of journalists, and ensure that such incidents do not recur," the statement said.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) leader Kanhaiya Kumar and some journalists were attacked in the court complex earlier this week in defiance of the orders of the Supreme Court.

A number of international organisations have expressed concern over the incidents, including the India and South Asia departments of leading UK universities and human rights group Amnesty International.