Editors' body expresses concern over atmosphere of intolerance

A top body of newspapers' editors today expressed serious concern over growing "atmosphere of intolerance" in the country and urged the government to maintain peace and unity among various communities.
The All India Newspaper Editors' Conference (AINEC) also noted with "great satisfaction" the comments made by President Pranab Mukherjee appealing people to preserve India's "multiplicity".
At its general body meeting held yesterday under presidentship of Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, the AINEC also expressed concern over growing incidents of violence against media and asked the central as well as state governments to take stringent action against the guilty.
It said ensuring safety and security of the journalists carrying out their professional duties was very important for freedom of press and democracy.

On the current situation, the meeting passed a resolution which said it "viewed with great concern, the growing atmosphere of intolerance in our country. It is also noted with great satisfaction, the comments made by our President Pranab Mukherjee for preserving the multiplicity of our country."
In the last three weeks, Mukherjee had on a number of occasions spoken against growing intolerance and called for preserving the multiplicity and pluralistic character of the country.