Panaji: The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) strongly condemns the manhandling of journalist Makbul Malgimani by Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar at Korgao in Pernem on Tuesday.The incident happened when Makbul Malgimani of Prudent Media along with other local journalists were waiting to cover a delayed foundation stone laying ceremony of Sarvajanik Ganesh Visarjan site at Bhalkhazan at Korgao in Pernem taluka.The event was scheduled to start at 10.00 am but Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, who was the chief guest, showed up at 11:45 am.When questioned about the reason for the delay, Arlekar started verbally abusing the journalist and told him to leave the venue. He also said he is not dependent on his news coverage.When Malgimani started video recording the ugly incident, Arlekar manhandled the journalist and damaged his mobile phone.The cowardly act of the Pernem MLA is an attack on the freedom of press which cannot be tolerated.The Goa Union of Journalists seeks an apology from the Pernem MLA and demands that the journalist be paid for damages that have been incurred.
