Delhi Media Protests Attacks in Assam

New Delhi, Feb 23 (UNI) The ongoing media boycott of Assam Government functions in the north-eastern state today created ripples in the National Capital with a scheduled Press Conference of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi falling victim.

The late afternoon Press Conference at the Assam Bhawan here was cancelled after the CM came to know that mediapersons intended to submit a memorandum to him protesting the attacks on journalists in the state.

Earlier, a media-group identified as the North East Media Forum handed out black ribbons to all presspersons reaching the venue for the Press Conference to wear as a sign of solidarity with the journalists in Assam.

A media boycott of the Assam Government continues in the state to protest a brutal assault on a journalist by police at Kakopathar in Upper Assam last week for allegedly instigating the villagers.

Robin Dhekial Phukan of the daily 'Asomiya Pratidin' and Parag Bhuyan of 'Dainik Janambhumi' in Kakopathar were severely beaten by policemen on February 17. The incident took place when police were trying to control a rally shouting anti-government slogans.

In the memorandum -- later handed over to an official of Assam Bhawan, the Forum demanded immediate strict action against the policemen responsible for the attack. ''The Administration must create a conducive atmosphere in the state for journalists to carry on with their profession,'' said the memorandum.

UNI DG RR KP1733