Protect media from Raj: TV editors ask Maharashtra

New Delhi: The "threats" issued by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief RajThackeray against Hindi news channels were an"assault on roots of democracy", a body of editors of electronic news channels said on Sunday. The Broadcast Editors' Association in a release asked the Maharashtra Government to ensure protection to media personnel in Mumbai against "lumpen elements". "We take serious note of threats given by the MNSChief against Hindi news channels and feel that this is not a threat held out against media but anassault on the roots of democracy," it said in a release. "Such statements are notacceptable in a democratic society and reveal his contempt for Constitution, rule of law and society," the Association said. The BEA said it does not believe in reacting to"such aberrations with an element of vindictiveness" and demanded that the central and the Maharashtra governments "initiate legal action under IPC in larger interest of public confidence in democratic system and rule of law". Alleging that Hindi news channels were distorting his statements, MNS chiefRaj Thackeray on Sunday said they should not air news without understanding issues. Speaking at a party meeting, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief said "I want totell the Hindi news channel to first understand the issue before it is broadcast...otherwise we know how to deal with it."