SIVASAGAR, Nov 15 - The Swahid Kamala Saikia Memorial Award, 2019 was presented to Prag News journalist Bhairov Munda by All Assam Kalita Janagosthi Chatra Sangstha (AAKJCS) today at a function held in Sivasagar Press Club.
The meeting, presided over by senior journalist Manoj Kumar Borthakur, was addressed by journalist Anamuddin Ahmed of Asomiya Pratidin as the chief guest. Giving away the award, Ahmed said that the first journalist martyr of Assam, Kamala Saikia was dragged out, tortured and brutally murdered by the ULFA cadres two decades ago, but his killers have been roaming free still today largely due to the government�s failure to deliver justice to the bereaved family members.
The case had to be re-opened under relentless pressure of the family, friends and media. Instead, the government today is busy dividing the society on the basis of caste, creed and religious faith, thereby making the work of journalists all the more complicated.
Manoj Kumar Borthakur in his speech lauded the initiative taken by All Assam Kalita Janagosthi Students� Union in remembering the great names in journalism and honouring the brave soldiers in the field.
He said that the job of a reporter is highly complicated given the complex socio-political scenario one has to work in and report from. A journalist must acquire years of experience and have indepth study on the issues to arrive at a position to write confidently, he added.
Receiving the coveted award, Bhairov Munda said that he was overwhelmed with gratitude for being bestowed the honour though, he said, he did not deserve it.
He said that he would strive his best to serve the noble cause of journalism on behalf of the people of the land and never ever for those in power.
Referring to the killers of the martyr journalist, he lamented that the killers in Assam during the last government have turned powerful political leaders to whom the general people must salute now.
Yugantar Bordaloi, president of Kalita Satra Santha subsequently presented the vote of thanks. The meeting was also addressed by Parashmoni Das, president of SCSU, Situ Baruah of Bir Lachit Sena, Arup Baruah of Sangrami Yuva Chatra Parishad, Farid Islam Hazarika of Aaikya Sena, Asom, Jintu Mech of Asom Chatra Yuva Sanmilan�s Sivasagar unit.
