New Delhi, June 28, 2024: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has issued a strong condemnation following the tragic killing of journalist Shiv Shankar Jha in Maripur village, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Jha, a prominent figure known for his YouTube news channel, was attacked late Tuesday night by unidentified assailants believed to be associated with the liquor mafia.
According to reports, Jha was ambushed near a local temple on his way back home from work, where he was fatally stabbed. Despite efforts by the police to rush him to the hospital, Jha succumbed to his injuries. The motive behind the attack is suspected to be linked to his journalistic activities, with prior complaints lodged by Jha against threats from the liquor mafia.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, IJU President Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General Sabina Inderjit emphasized the urgent need for authorities to apprehend those responsible and ensure justice for Jha’s untimely demise. They highlighted the alarming trend of escalating violence against journalists and criticized the inadequate response from local law enforcement.
“The killing of Shiv Shankar Jha underscores a disturbing trend of targeted violence against journalists,” stated Sabina Inderjit, Secretary General of IJU and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). “The state government must take immediate action to enact robust safety measures for journalists, ensuring their protection from both state and non-state actors.”
IJU has called upon the Nitish Kumar administration to prioritize the safety and security of journalists in Bihar, demanding swift action against the perpetrators and the implementation of stringent safety laws to safeguard the freedom of the press.
