Campaigns have to continue to check the forces that harm the freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of thought in the country, said N. Ram, Chairman of Kasturi and Sons Limited.
Speaking at a condolence meeting for veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh organised at Chennai Press Club on Monday, Mr. Ram said those who disseminated messages on social media expressing their joy following the assassination of Lankesh have not apologised for that.
“We have to highlight what kind of forces are on the rampage in society, are in powerful positions, and are in authority. The campaign has to be sustained in a serious way till we get justice in this case,” he said.
Pointing to a pattern in the murder of journalists in India for the past few years, Mr. Ram said the country should be ashamed of still being among the 13 countries where journalists were killed with impunity. A few newspapers continued to be timid in campaigning for freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of thought. “This has to change,” he said.
Former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi said Gauri Lankesh had become a metaphor of free speech.
“Gauri was almost unknown to most of us. Now, she is a symbol of free speech,” he said.
Stressing the need for Whistleblowers Bill becoming an Act, Mr. Gandhi said free speech had acquired a new voltage after the assassination of Lankesh in Bengaluru.
“Mega newspapers like The Hindu which has shown tenacity and courage and integrity over the decades and Chennai’s press should express its solidarity with Bengaluru. Because what has happened in Bengaluru is not a matter of one person’s murder, but a matter of the life and death of our democracy,” said Mr.Gandhi.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University Ma. Rajendran said the forces that killed Gauri Lankesh were threatening all those who promoted freedom of expression.