GUWAHATI, Dec 20 - The Assam Government has finally initiated steps to provide financial aid to the next of kin of journalists, who were killed by extremists and anti-social elements over the years. But unfortunately, in majority of such cases, the culprits involved are yet to be brought to book.
The Government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of 32 journalists killed by extremists and anti-social elements in a function to be held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on December 22. The financial grant will be formally handed over by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. A book containing the photographs, brief bio data and the details of the incidents in which the journalists were killed , will also be published on the occasion.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, RP Baruah told The Assam Tribune that immediately after assuming office, the present Government decided to provide financial assistance to the next of kin of the journalists killed by extremists and anti-social elements in the State and the process of identifying the next of kin of such persons started about six months back. The Government took the help of various associations representing journalists, while, the lists were authenticated from the concerned districts with case records and other relevant information.
Baruah said that journalist Kamala Saikia, who was killed by suspected United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants on September 8, 1991 is the first name in the list. At least four persons, whose names appeared in the list of 32, are missing and their whereabouts are still not known. He said that the next of kin of the journalists killed would be brought from various districts of the state by a magistrate or the district information and public relations officers. The Deputy Commissioners have been entrusted with the responsibility of bringing them to Guwahati to attend the function. He said that the money would be deposited in the account numbers of the beneficiaries, while, they would be honoured in the function with mementos.
Baruah revealed that the family members of journalist Parag Kumar Das, who was gunned down by unknown miscreants in broad daylight in the heart of Guwahati city in 1996, informed in writing that they did not want the money. "The family members of Das thanked the Government but said that they are not in need of the money. They were generous enough to request the Government to use the amount in any other welfare scheme for needy journalists," Baruah added.
