National Press Day: Assam scribes reiterate demand for 'Act' to protect journalists

GUWAHATI: National Press Day was observed in the office premises of the Journalists Association of Assam (JAA) in collaboration with the National Union of Journalist India (NUJI) under the Presidentship of President Dhirendra Nath Chakravartty.

National Vice President of NUJI cum Chief Adviser of JAA Bhupen Goswami

In his speech, Goswami said that in the last 12 years, 15 media houses and 989 journalists have been attacked, which necessitates the need for a "proactive Act to protect journalists."

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He dwelt at length about the challenges faced by the journalists of the country due to the Corona pandemic. 55 Journalists across the state took part in the function through the Zoom app.

Several other speakers including Anup Biswas, Working President JAA, Dalim Phukan, Senior Journalist Sudip Sarma Chaudhury, Indrani Sarkar, Paramananda Deka, Rakesh Kumar, and Anjan Bora, expressed "their anger against the brutal assaults on media persons in different parts of the country including Assam and northeast."

Earlier, President Dhirendra Nath Chakravarty spoke on the significant role of the press in building a society with positive thought and creative writing. 

The NUJI and JAA reiterated its demand for a Journalists Protection Act on 'National Press Day 'and Media Council to ensure the safety and end “impunity” for attacks on journalists.

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A statement from unions said that the media is now the nerve center of our society and that it plays a vital role in disseminating information to the people. The meeting also expressed serious concern over the killing of journalists and atrocities on the media fraternity in recent times.

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