GUWAHATI, Jan 25 - The Journalists Forum Assam (JFA) has appealed to the people of the North East in general and media personnel in particular to hoist the National Flag to show respect to the martyrs of the country�s freedom struggle.
Defying the diktats of some separatist militants, the JFA also called upon the patriotic citizens to celebrate Republic Day. �Every patriotic Indian should observe Republic Day and Independence Day to pay tribute to the martyrs of the freedom movement. Without showing respect to the freedom fighters, one should not cry demanding various constitutional rights,� said a JFA statement.
It added that many martyrs from Assam, including Kanaklata Barua, Mukunda Kakoti, Kushal Konwar, Tilak Deka, Bhogeswari Phukanani, Nidhanu Rajbangshi, Kamala Miri, Lerela Boro, Madan Rauta, Hemoram Patar, Gunabhi Bordoloi along with many others had also laid down their lives for the honour of the Tricolour.
�We must not maintain the scepticism that the Tricolour belongs to the government machinery alone. Rather, the National Flag is a priceless property of over one billion Indians. We have to cherish our independence with proper responsibilities,� added the statement.
The JFA also clarified that journalists should come forward overcoming all kinds of prejudices and confusion over hoisting the Tricolour on both the auspicious days. It specially appealed to all scribe bodies of the region, including local press clubs, press guilds, journalist unions/associations, etc, to pay homage to the martyrs by hoisting the Tricolour. The JFA statement, issued by its president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria, also urged the city-based mediapersons and other patriotic citizens to join in the R-Day celebration at the Guwahati Press Club, where the Tricolour will be unfurled at 11 am.
