10 February 2008
NWMI in Pune

The sixth conference of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) that concluded today expresses deep concern over the Hindi media being barred from a press conference addressed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray. Over 100 women journalists from across the country attended the three-day conference.

The Hindi media was not invited to the press conference on February 9. According to news reports — "they acted as if they were the police, government and the court all rolled into one." Such an act of parochialism needs to be denounced in the strongest terms. It is not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional and an attack on the freedom of the press.

The NWMI considers this an arbitrary and an unjustified move. To single out certain communities and not allow them to report on his press conference reflects Mr Thackeray's prejudices and undemocratic approach. As a network of professional media women, we appeal to all journalists to stay united. The media must ensure that such discrimination cannot be enforced and it should take a united stand against such divisive forces.

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