Hindu Group Director N. Ram spoke at the Peruma Conference held in Pinarayi, Kannur on Sunday.
Hindu group director N. Ram said the central government has launched systematic attacks on freedom of speech, press independence and civil liberties.
Speaking at the Peruma meeting in Pinarayi on Sunday, Mr Ram accused the union government of “weapons” against terrorism, incitement and other tough laws to imprison journalists, students, human and civil rights activists, and government critics, who often deny their long-term or trial.
“The ranking of global press freedom in India has continued to decline since 2014. In the latest index, it is in 159 of 180 countries and regions,” Ram said.
He added: “Although the government has objected to these rankings, it has failed to provide a strong explanation. The facts point to the grim situation.”
He claimed that the government “almost certainly has deployed Israeli military-grade spyware aircraft to conduct illegal surveillance of journalists, politicians, civil society members and others.” He noted that such surveillance is a serious violation of democratic norms.
Mr Ram highlighted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Act, saying it is part of a concerted effort by police and censorship of the Internet, digital news providers, social media and streaming platforms.
“This crackdown comes at a time when printing news reports are falling, and because of economic difficulties and repression, many talented journalists have turned to YouTube and other platforms to publish their work.
publishing – April 14, 2025 01:35 AM IST
