Shivamogga: The Pragathipara Sanghtanegala Okkoota (Association of Progressive Organisations), Shivamogga on April 26, submitted a memorandum to the Secretary of Karnataka Government condemning the defamatory article written in the Kannada daily newpaper Vishwavani.

The Association alleged that in an article published on the page 6 of the newspaper on April 25, the senior journalist Vishveshwara Bhat had slandered journalists P Lankesh, Gauri Lankesh and actor Prakash Rai. It said that the article contained derogatory and unconstitutional language that is not befitting a news article.

A wrong image is created in the minds of the readers, and this could tarnish the image and reputation of the three most respectable members of the society, it alleged.

In their letter, the association has requested the government to take strict action by cancelling the permit of the newspaper. If not, it said, that an indefinite strike would be held until action was taken.