Errant TV journalists emboldened due to ruling party’s patronage : Arshad Madani
New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani on Wednesday condemned the News18 anchor Amish Devgan in the strongest possible terms for his derogatory remarks against Sheikh Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Slamming a section of print and electronic media for spreading misinformation and ignoring real issues of the country, Jamiat chief also strongly demanded stern action against such errant media persons who are creating fissures in society. He alleged that they (media persons) have been emboldened to indulge in such unethical journalism practices because of patronage they are enjoying from some people in the government.
It is unfortunate that the TV channels are stooping to such a low mere for enhancing their TRP. Referring to the ongoing hearing on the petition filed by Jamiat Ualam-i-Hind in Supreme Court seeking directions on the spread of fake news and communalization of news, Jamiat chief said in spite of the case, TV news anchors are not refraining from hurting the sentiments of Muslim community.
“This shows that they (anchors) enjoy the patronage and protection of the people in government who do not have any fear of law and indulging in unethical and corrupt journalism practices in order to please their masters and to divert the attention of common man from his/ her burning issues.”
After targeting Muslims, Islam, and their civilization and organizations, “they (certain TV journalists and channels)y are now targeting mosques, madrassas and daraghs (shrines), he said.
Maulana Madani said News 18 anchor Amish Devgan committed serious offence by using nasty and derogatory language against the reverend saint Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and hurts the feelings of not only India Muslims but also the entire Islamic world as and a large section of Hindus in India as well who revered him.
People revered Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti irrespective of their religious affiliation and visit his shrine to pay their respect and homage, he added. To use such filthy and foul language against such a person who is loved and respected by all, is also the violation of the constitution values, therefore, the incident deserves severe condemnation and the government should immediately take action against the anchor and the channel, Maulana Madani said.
Although, the said anchor has tendered the apology, but this is not the first time he used such offensive language as he is a known habitual offender to create communal rift in the society.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been also filed against News18 anchor that during a show that was aired on June 16 referred to the revered Saint Chishti as “Lutera” Chishti.
In this context, Jamiat is of the view that mere apology is not enough and he should be meted out justice which would set an example for others.