Face2News/Chandigarh
The Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) vehemently condemns the recent police actions that disrupted newspaper distribution in multiple districts of Punjab, viewing them as a grave assault on press freedom and the public's right to information.
On Sunday, intensive police checks on vehicles transporting newspapers led to widespread disruptions across the state. In several cases, delivery vehicles were detained at police stations, subjecting staff to undue harassment and causing significant delays—or even complete halts—in the dissemination of publications. Reports of such incidents have surfaced from districts including Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar (Ropar), Patiala, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, and others.
These unwarranted interventions represent a blatant misuse of state machinery to stifle the free flow of information, undermining the foundational principles of democracy and journalistic independence.
PUJ President Harjinder Singh Lall has denounced these actions in the strongest possible terms. “This outrageous interference must be met with universal outrage from all who value press freedom,” Lall stated. “We urge the Punjab Government to immediately direct its law enforcement agencies to cease such practices, ensure the seamless distribution of newspapers, and safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the press.”
The PUJ calls upon journalists, media organizations, civil society, and democratic institutions to stand united against any erosion of media liberties. We remain committed to defending the independence of the fourth estate.
