Journalists face 'pass' blockade at Maha Kumbh

Prakash Kumar and Snehesh Alex Philip
Haridwar, Jan 14 (PTI) Several journalists, including
those from abroad who descended here to cover the Maha Kumbh,
had a bitter experience due to "mismanagement" by mela
administration in issuing media passes.

Even though many of the journalists, especially foreign
mediapersons, had applied for passes more than a week ago, the
mela officials could not provide them the mandatory document
as the rules were changed at the last minute.
The police decided to issue separate passes to local
journalists and those coming from outside the state, reversing
its earlier decision.
This led to a "complete chaos and mismanagement" on
Wednesday and Thursday, journalists said. Many mediapersons
had to spend almost sleepless nights in the cold waiting for
their passes at the Media Centre set up here.
"It was a big problem. I lost photos, lost stories. I
could not reach the key spots where people and sadhus took
their bath. I have come from Italy especially for this mega
event," said Erberto Zani, a freelancer who has tied up with
Italy-based Eidon Agency for the coverage of the Kumbh.
"I submitted all the required documents. My (news) agency
also mailed them. But nothing has yet happened. I have only
spent time and money coming here. They are not even giving me
correct information about the status of my media pass," he
claimed. (MORE) PTI PKU
RBT


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