Several media persons were attacked in Kerala during protests during the recent hartal called over the entry of two women into the Sabarimala temple on January 2.

Similar attacks on journalists have been reported from across India in the recent years. The country ranked a lowly 136 among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index in 2017.

In any democratic country, the media plays a vital role in creating, moulding and reflecting public opinion. Over the years, media has become so powerful that it soon acquired the status of "Fourth Estate" as it was aptly described by the British Politician Edmund Burke. Media serves as a bridge between the government and the people. The government's policies and actions are conveyed to the people, and the latter's views are forcefully expressed to make the authorities aware of the public feelings. Media as the watchdog steers nation building. By addressing itself to the needs of the people, media strengthens the very root of democracy.

The Indian media has exposed thousands of corrupt practices, social evils and hidden deals. It has had a distinctive role to play in bringing communal harmony to preserve the secular fabric of our nation. However, the current situation is such that media faces several challenges as the powerful with money and muscle power try to impose their ideologies and beliefs. Unfortunately, many journalists have lost their lives for not favouring the mighty.

The violence carried out against journalists amount to gross violation of human rights and the fundamental rights of both media personnel and the common citizens.

Media needs to be protected as it is a bulwark against forces that may wreak havoc on nation's integrity. It is well known that communalism and chauvinism of all shades are fiercely intolerant of criticism and dissent.

Fortunately, stringent action is being taken to catch culprits who targeted the media in Kerala earlier this week. The Director General of Police, Loknath Behera, has initiated a special drive "Broken Window" to nab people who unleashed the violence. The intelligence wing has been asked to collect details regarding attacks on media persons. This can be considered as a positive and appreciable step towards ensuring freedom of media.

Any attempt to destroy the freedom of the media must be strongly condemned. The citizens should also raise their protests in such situations because media is not separate from the people. Let us never forget that media is the mirror of our society.