A SOMBRE gathering of journalists, press workers and lawyers, under joint banners met at the Delhi Union of Journalists Amphitheatre, to remember journalist Gauri Lankesh together and condemned hate forces responsible for her death. They were backed by colourful posters of the Delhi Union of Journalists, SAHMAT and some pieces of poetry by members. The meeting on September 11, was organised jointly by the DUJ, the All India Newspaper Employees Federation, the National Alliance of Journalists, Press Unity Centre, KUWJ Delhi and All India Lawyers Union. The meeting ended with a candle light vigil and a resolution.

The resolution noted that Lankesh is a victim of the politics of hate that is spreading throughout our country and brooks no dissent. Lankesh was an outspoken woman journalist and activist, furiously independent.  In an age when too many journalists genuflect before the powerful, Lankesh was a shining example of an independent free thinking editor/proprietor who spoke up for the poor and powerless.

Her murder seems to be a signal to the entire media that no one is safe if they speak up and challenge the powerful. As journalists and media workers we vow to resist such attempts to muzzle us. We pledge to continue to exercise our right to free speech and action.

The resolution demanded that the government of Karnataka immediately investigate the dastardly killing of Gauri Lankesh, so that the dark forces are exposed and the culprits, including conspirators, are arrested, prosecuted and punished without any delay.  Only then will justice be done.