A letter from Shahina, an NWM member from Kerala

Dear friends,
I have decided to reject the state government's award for the best television reporter of the year in protest against the shoot out on adivasis and incidents thereafter. According to official sources, only one adivasi was killed, yet this is widely believed to be untrue. Police opened 18 rounds of fire and over 1,000 tribals were there at that time. Almost 100 of them -- including women and children -- are still missing. The opposition has demanded a judicial probe into the matter. After the bloody police action which lasted for hours, the government is continuing with undemocratic steps by framing criminal charges against those journalists who reported the incidents. Asianet reporter, Mr.Ramdas, was charged with very serious offences such as criminal instigation and conspiracy against the state (120 B, 302 under criminal procedure code) and now he is forced to go into hiding.

The freedom of the media is crushed here and we are reminded of the period of the infamous Emergency. Under these circumstances I believe it's not fair to receive any award from such a government and I have released a statement explaining my stand. The government should not think that it can purchase support of the press with a little money and a citation. Far more than awards, the best recognition for a mediaperson is the freedom to function freely and fearlessly.

Seeking support from all my friends who belong to our Network of Women in Media.

Love and regards,
Shahina

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