BARPETA, April 30 - Several organisations of Barpeta district have condemned the recent attacks on journalists in the state and organised protest rallies demanding the government to adopt adequate security measures for the journalist community.
Barpetaroad Press Club organised a sit-in demonstration in the press club premises on Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm and demanded arrest of all the culprits involved in the recent attacks. They also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Circle Officer of Barnagar Revenue Circle demanding a series of measures for a free and fair environment for working journalists.
The memorandum mentioned that the government should undertake such stringent measures so that no one can obstruct a working journalist from performing his/her duties.
The memorandum also demanded exemplary punitive action against those who threaten journalists or commit mental and physical harm. It further sought adequate legal measures so that the culprits cannot evade punishment through legal loopholes.
The memorandum also demanded free treatment to journalists Rajib Bora, Rajen Deka and Upasana Baruah, besides grant of monetary compensation. It was also demanded that every accredited journalist should be covered by life and health insurance.
The Barpeta district committee of Journalists� Union of Assam also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister expressing serious concern over the series of attack on journalists in the state.
The memorandum alleged that most of the attacks were related to duty and had political backing.
�JUA considers it an attack on the free press and free speech. Such attacks will vitiate the media environment in the state,� the memorandum said. It added that the journalists will not be able to carry out their duties properly if such an environment prevails.
The memorandum, signed by Mahananda Pathak, secretary of the district committee, demanded safety and security of journalists. It further demanded insurance coverage to journalists with payment of premium by the media houses and the government.
