Journalism of courage

Recalling the day, Makkar said, 8220;Sapra had reported the action of the police for putting up a black film on their car. We had taken photos of the police removing the black film from their car. As we were going back, some persons claiming to be the relatives of senior Akali leaders, threatened us for clicking the photographs. They then snatched the camera, banged it on the road and took it away.8221;

Before leaving, they also roughed up Poonam. 8220;They pushed me back and I barely saved myself from falling on the road. After that the miscreants fled from the spot,8221; said Sapra. Coming to know of the incident, a number of mediapersons gathered at the spot. Later, the angry journalists took out a protest march and raised slogans against the Punjab police for their slow approach.

Now when the accused are cooling their heels in the jail, Makkar says, 8220;It was an unplesant experience but I am happy that I stood firmly against the highhandedness. My thanks to the media fraternity and my colleagues for their unflinching support.8221;

For Sapra too, it was a morale-boosting incident. 8220;When we were being assaulted, I told myself that I will not pocket my insult. I am thankful to all the journalists of the city who firmly stood in our support.8221;