Thiruvananthapuram:
The ongoing strike by a section of agents affiliated to the CITU which had disrupted distribution of newspapers in some parts of Kerala is the handiwork of CPI-M which is using 'coercive' methods to threaten dailies which did not toe their line,Public Relations Minister K C Joseph has said.
In a statement here, Joseph said the strike imposed by CPI-M's trade union outfit disrupting newspaper distribution was a threat to freedom of the press.
He said the CITU should make it clear why they exempted party-owned newspapers from the stir.
"The strike is a direct attack on freedom of expression and free journalitic activities. Social and cultural leaders should come out in protest against the unwarranted strike," Joseph said in the statement.
A section of newspaper agents in the state have been on strike for the last few days demanding increase in commission, resulting in disruption of distribution of mainstream papers in some areas.