Qureshi likely to face protest in Goa

Panaji, Jan 20 (IBNS) Chief Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi's arrival in Goa is most likely to be greeted with protests from the journalists alleging non-cooperation by the poll-panel by discontinuing daily briefings.

Several journalists are planning to hold a protest on his visit Monday.

Members of Goa Union of Journalist (GUJ) and Photo Journalists Association Goa (PJAG) are holding sit-ins for the last three days with a warning to intensify their agitation if the election commission (EC) fails to resume briefings.

"Neither local poll officers are holding briefings nor are they responding to our questions. The EC has been getting several complaints which include violation of election code by legislators," a GUJ member said.

A press note issued by Goa Peoples Forum (GPF) warned if the election officials do not take the media into confidence, people will lose faith in the election system.

Responding to news reports on the issue, the GPF has congratulated the timely protest dharna of the media-persons which came as an impromptu response.

"Electronic media and print media are eyes and ears of the people, and concerned authorities should not try to uproot this fourth pillar which is watch-tower of democracy. For a fair and free election, election authorities and media should be allies," GPF Convener and social activist Satish Sonak said.

The journalism fraternity has demanded that pressures which prompted the authorities to seal their lips need to be investigated and exposed.

(Reporting by John Edwards)