Journalistic circles of Jharkhand paid floral tributes to Late Baijnath Mahto on Tuesday, who died during treatment at RIMS. Video journalist Mahto, who was a popular face of the media circle, was seriously injured by some criminals. The attack on him shook the conscience of the people and journalists across Jharkhand who rose to protest against the attack on media persons.
The condolence programme was organised at the Ranchi Press Club where journalists also discussed issues faced by media persons of Jharkhand.
The veteran journalist and Editor Anupam Sheshank said that the attack on Baijnath and his death were shocking. He said that journalists of Jharkhand stood like a rock and extended support to Baijnath. But unfortunately, he could not be saved. Sheshank vowed that journalists of Jharkhand will fight for justice. He advised that the Ranchi Press Club should create a corpus fund to assist fellow journalists in the time of the crisis. Sheshank was supported by Rajiv.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, president of the Ranchi Press Club said that the death of Baijnath Mahto is a huge loss to the media who was known for his integrity and dedication towards the profession. He said that Ranchi Press Club and the entire media stood with him and also fought for justice. He said that it is time to stay united.
Senior journalist Baijnath Mishra said unity is the biggest strength that can save media persons. He said that as Ranchi Press Club takes decisions for the welfare of journalists the club should also approach editors and management of the media houses to take care of the interests of journalists. Senior journalist and Editor Harinarayan Singh said that Baijnath Mahto became the victim of the system. He was supported by Rajat Gupta who said that the press club and media circle should play as a pressure group against such a system.
Carrying forward the discourse further senior journalist Kishlaya said that security and the financial condition of journalists are the matter of key concerns.
Senior TV journalist Sanjay Mishra said that he was pained over the silence of the government on the whole issue.
Nityanand Shukla and Sanjay Samar that the press club and the media community will have to ensure that the trial of this case is fast tracked and punishment is ensured. Another journalist Surendra Soren said that it was disturbing to see the way mainstream media had maintained distance from the entire incident when media persons were carrying out protests.