Margao photojournalist compensated

PANJIM, JULY 14
Chief Minister Digambar on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to a photojournalist who was physically assaulted by policemen while covering a communal riot in Margao.
Kamat said the compensation was announced following the recommendation made by the committee which inquired into the complaint.
Soiru Komarpant, working for vernacular daily Gomantak, had complaint to the state administration in 2008 had claimed that he was singled out and beaten by policemen while covering a communal riot in Marago.
Further Kamat said the committee has also recommended that journalists will have to wear specially made identity badges while covering law and order situations.
“In future accredited journalists and crime reporters covering law and order situations in Goa will be given special identification such as badges and belt. Such identification features will be made available with the magistrate present at the law and order site,” Kamat said.
“In order to avoid re-occurrence of such incidents journalists should wear such badges without fail, when their security is under threat while covering law and order situations,” Kamat said.