Mumbai, Jun 17: Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Eknath Khadse has demanded from the state government early enactment of a law to protect journalists in the wake of increased attacks on them in the recent years.

"Since last 4-5 years attacks on journalists have increased. Media houses are vandalised. But the government is not taking any major step. The law to protect journalists should be brought in at the earliest," Khadse told reporters here.

"The law for journalists should be similar on the lines of the bill passed for doctors, wherein the culprit is sentenced to three years imprisonment and it is a non-bailable offence," he said.

On the murder of senior journalist J Dey, Khadse said, "I held talks with Home Minister R R Patil and he told me about the progress in the investigation. But since the inquiry is in progress, information should not be leaked outside..it may obstruct the probe."

Criticising the government for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, he said, "Crime related incidents have increased. And police have failed to curb criminal activities and pressure should be built up to strengthen the police department." 

PTI