Public Company12 journalists killed in South Asia in 2009; one in India
Twelve journalists, including one in India, were killed in South Asia this year, mostly in conflict areas, according to a report released today by an organisation working for the rights of media persons.
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Maximum seven deaths were reported from Pakistan. There has also been a rise in violent incidents against journalists in India in 2009, said the report of the South Asia Media Commission.
Two journalists were killed in Afghanistan this year while Nepal and Sri Lanka reported killing of one journalist each, the report said.
"This South Asia Media Monitor report has been prepared on the basis of published reports which have not been contradicted. This report shows the enormity of crime against journalists and rise in risk to media persons" lives," K K Katyal, chairman of the commission, told reporters.
Seven journalists were killed in 2008 in India, while there was one such death this year. Anil Majumdar, editor of an Assamese daily, was gunned down this year in Guwahati.
Majumdar was a known campaigner for peace talks between ULFA and the government.
Over-commercialisation, monopolisation and excessive political clout also chipped away professional and ethical norms, especially in India and Pakistan, the report said.