Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi, who is one of the one of the most vocal voices against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, staged a press conference today.Speaking about the Finance Minister’s criticism of the protests against the Bill, Gogoi said: “Himanta Biswa Sarma has lost his way. Just like a mad dog bites anyone, he has attacked anyone and everyone opposing the Bill and has stooped very low.”
While batting for the news media, he condemned the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as well as Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their attacks on eminent media personalities of Assam at the BJP Panchayat victory rally held at Sarusajai stadium yesterday.
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Akhil Gogoi also stated that CM Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma would have to seek an apology from the media, failing to do which, there would be severe repercussions from the anti-Bill movement.
“We have gathered here today to provide a rebuttal to Himanta Biswa Sarma and Sarbananda Sonowal’s smearing of the media at a government ceremony. It was a big attack on the media of entire Assam and we demand apology from the CM and the Finance Minister for their allegations against the media”, said Akhil Gogoi.
“Where did Himanta Biswa Sarma find the gall to question the media?” he questioned.
Gogoi also questioned whether journalists would have to take permission from CM Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma to attend and asserted that Assamese journalists have always played the role of activists.
“Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma have spoken on clear terms that journalists cannot participate in protests and this attack is not just an attack on Nitumoni Bhuyan and Ajit, but an attack on the whole media industry”, alleged Gogoi.