Several media organisations and forums on Wednesday condemned the murder of journalist Gauri lankesh and demanded speedy investigations in the matter.
"The murder has sent shock waves across the journalist community for its brazenness as well as killing of a woman journalist known for her outspoken views. She was a firm believer in the Indian Constitution and the values of democracy and secularism enshrined in it," said the
Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps,
Editors' Guild, National Broadcasters Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, Kerala Union of Journalists and Press Association in a joint statement.
"We are aware that the state government has already instituted an investigation and inquiry into the murder. We urge government to put in all efforts to nab the killers at the earliest in order to restore confidence in the journalist community as well as the people of India," the statement added after the protest meet where hundreds of journalists had gathered.
Earlier in the day, several members of the civil society, students fraternity and women organizations held a protest against the killing of lankesh saying there is a pattern in such killings.
The killing had left not only the entire media fraternity but also other sections of the society stunned. The US too condemned the murder saying: "The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and world-wide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri lankesh in Bengaluru. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of lankesh."