GUWAHATI, Aug 10 - Demanding adequate security to mediapersons on duty, the Journalists� Forum, Assam (JFA), expressed concern that hard-hitting and critical journalism is only possible when freedom and security of the media are ensured.
The forum suggested a national action plan for ensuring safety and security of the media fraternity across India. Reacting on the recent abduction of a North Bengal based journalist, who went missing after reporting on a powerful admission racket, the JFA urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take appropriate actions to unearth the mystery relating to the matter.
Chayan Sarkar, who works for North Bengal�s major Bengali daily, Uttarbanga Sangbad, from Alipurduar locality, has remained traceless since August 2. The local journalist bodies claim that Chayan was
kidnapped by members belonging to the ruling Trinamool Congress party, as he reported on the corruption and irregularities in the admission
process in some colleges of the State.
�If journalists can be abducted, even killed, for reporting on corruption or other major issues in India, we have to ensure their security. In many cases, the victims are being deprived of justice. So it will only paint a bleak picture of critical journalism in the country, where most journalists would prefer only soft issues for reporting to avoid unwanted consequences,� said a statement.
