Attacks on journalists cause for concern: Chavan

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan today said an increase in number of attacks on scribes was a cause for concern and the issue would be solved by evolving a consensus with journalists' organisations.

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday said an increase in number of attacks on scribes was a cause for concern and the issue would be solved by evolving a consensus with journalists' organisations.

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Chavan was referring to the demand from journalists' bodies in the state that an assault on a scribe be should made non-bailable offence.

Speaking after launching 'Divya Marathi', the Marathi newspaper from Bhaskar group, Chavan noted that Aurangabad was a fast-developing and growing city and the government was committed to the progress of Marathwada region.

The chief minister said competition in the field of media is important, and newspapers have an effective role to play in the development of the state.

"All newspapers have a responsibility of strengthening democracy. They should fulfil this responsibility and be successful," he said.

Union home minister P Chidambaram, also present on the occasion, urged the media to draw a line between news and views.

Union power minister Sushilkumar Shinde said in his speech that newspapers should keep the rulers on their toes and create credibility for themselves.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan spoke about the close ties between his state and Maharashtra. "Ahilyabai Holkar is my ideal," he said. Newspapers should initiate a positive debate on issues concerning the nation, he remarked.