The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked states to investigate all cases of attacks on the media. In an advisory, it said states must strictly enforce the law so journalists can exercise their freedom of speech and expression in a “peaceful environment”.

“The fourth estate is an important institution of democracy,” the Home Ministry said in its advisory issued on October 20, the notification for which was placed in the public domain on Tuesday. “It ensures that citizens are able to express their opinions freely without fear or coercion.”

It is the duty of all states to ensure the safety and security of journalists, it added.