Accusing the Punjab government of flexing muscles against journalists, Fatehjung Singh Bajwa declared that such capricious behavior has no place in modern governance. His comments, delivered at a high-profile meet, underscore escalating frictions in the state’s information ecosystem.
Bajwa delved into specifics, referencing leaked communications and eyewitness accounts of pressure points. ‘This isn’t oversight; it’s orchestrated intimidation,’ he charged, urging media bodies to document every instance for collective action. The timing aligns with exposés on government contracts and public fund mismanagement.
Historically, Punjab’s press has been resilient, but recent developments signal a shift. Bajwa highlighted the chilling effect on reporting, potentially leaving citizens in the dark about key issues like water scarcity and youth migration.
Stakeholders are responding: bar associations are mulling legal challenges, while digital platforms amplify the discourse. The government has hinted at ‘guidelines’ for balanced reporting, which critics decry as code for control.
Bajwa ended on a resolute note, pledging cross-party efforts to enact protective legislation. This saga tests Punjab’s democratic credentials, with implications rippling to other states facing similar media-government tugs-of-war.