Citing security reasons, mediapersons were prevented by security officials from covering the First Division League between Corps of Signals and United Club of Telaulim at 3MTR ground, Navelim
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: Citing security reasons, mediapersons were prevented by security officials from covering the First Division League between Corps of Signals and United Club of Telaulim at 3MTR ground, Navelim.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 9 in the evening when mediapersons embarked on the journey to cover this match in Navelim. Upon reaching the venue, mediapersons approached the security counter as a routine procedure to show their proof of identity (ID cards) issued by their respective media organisations.
However, despite the concerned security personnel on duty at the counter examining the ID card of the mediaperson, denied entry to mediapersons to the venue (ground) citing security reasons, sending shock waves among the media fraternity.
Ironically though, even as mediapersons were kept away from the venue thereby barring them from covering the match proceedings for their respective media organisations, spectators were seen enjoying the match from the stands.
But, what puzzled mediapersons, who articulated their concern to the security personnel on duty was the following anomaly: How can mediapersons pose a security threat despite furnishing the proof of identity, while spectators were permitted to watch the match? Further, were the spectators subjected to the “security drill” or alternatively, did they have to undergo the rigmarole of producing their proof of identity? And worse still, were they allowed to watch the match proceedings after examining their identity - a “privilege” denied to the duty-bound mediapersons?
Mediapersons were left groping for the answers. Meanwhile Corps of Signals defeated United Club of Telaulim (UCT) 3-0.
