To,
The Prime Minister, India,
New Delhi.
Subject: Misbehaviour against media persons by a district level police
officer.
Dear Sir,
Namaskar. With due respect, we would like to draw your attention to an
unwanted incident which occurred in Guwahati on April 8, 2007. On that
particular day, a function was organized to lay the foundation stone of the 2nd
bridge over Brahmaputra at Saraighat, Guwahati. A group of Guwahati-based
journalists were officially invited by the government agency (PIB) to cover
the function. As the function was attended by the Prime Minister of the
country, some of your ministerial colleagues and the Chief Minister of Assam,
all necessary procedures were observed in inviting the journalists. Moreover, a
senior PIB officer escorted the journalist team to the venue.
But unfortunately, the invited journalists were prevented from entering the
venue (even after presenting their formal invitation letters) by a district
level police officer. The SSP, Kamrup (Metro) named SN Singh not only prevented
the journalists, but also did not hesitate to verbally abuse and insult the
journalists with unparliamentary words. Frustrated with the behaviour of a mere
district level police officer (in a function attended by the highest authority
of the country), the media persons decided to boycott the programme.
Later, the media persons under the banner of Journalists Action Committee
(JAC), Assam, boycotted the government for 72 hours beginning from 3 pm on
April 9 to April 12. With the consensus of a general meeting held at Guwahati
Press Club on April 9, the newspapers of the state carried a black space in the
front page as a mark of protest. The meeting also gave 72 hours notice to the
Assam government to apologize for the incident and take necessary actions
against the unruly SSP. But the state government has ignored the demands till
date.
You must be knowing that the North East is a trouble-torn area and the media
persons in the region have to suffer a lot in performing their duties with
dignity and honour. Amidst all the hazards, the dedicated journalists of the
region are significantly playing their assigned roles.
Hence, we never expect such unwarranted behaviour from any officer of the
government.
And being the Prime Minister of the largest democracy of the world, we hope
you have the goodwill to protect and ensure free and fair atmosphere for the
journalists to carry out their duties.
This is and this much for your kind information and necessary action.
Thanking you in anticipation.
With regards,
Prakash Mahanta,
General Secretary,
JAC, Assam.
Nava Thakuria,
Secretary,
Guwahati Press Club,
Guwahati-781001, Assam.
Ph. 0361- 2630963
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