Guwahati: The Media Association of Assam (MAA) has demanded an apology from Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta MallaBaruah for hurling “insulting” remarks at journalists during a recent press conference in Guwahati.
The association has strongly condemned the minister for insulting journalists as “inferior people”.
In a statement, Media Association of Assam’s President Hiren Chandra Kalita and Secretary-General Chandra Kumar Shaikia expressed their outrage over the remarks made by Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and urged him to apologize to the journalists at the earliest.
The association has also called on all journalists to boycott Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah until he apologizes.
The Media Association of Assam (MAA) has urged all political parties to ensure that no minister, MLA, MP, or official disrespects or insults journalists in the future.
Meanwhile, the Gauhati Press Club has also expressed its outrage at the recurring incidents of journalists facing backlash from politicians when faced with uncomfortable questions.
“From MPs, MLAs to ministers and other office bearers of different parties, we have seen an alarming trend of targeting the journalist who poses a question that puts them in a difficult position,” Susmita Goswami, President of Gauhati Press Club, said.
She stated that the Gauhati Press Club had earlier also raised concern over the matter and urged the political leaders to refrain from such undignified behaviour.
“A person has the right to not answer questions posed by a journalist, but they cannot question the credibility of the scribe or their media houses and hurl insults,” she added.
“If political leaders are not ready to face questions, they should refrain from inviting media persons for press conferences and merely issue their one-sided statements. Such behaviour will not dissuade the journalists from discharging their duties responsibly, and the voice of a free press cannot be stifled,” Goswami stated.
She further added, “We once again reiterate our demand that politicians and others refrain from targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions, as such behaviour is against the spirit of a democratic nation.”
ALSO READ: Poster, trailer & songs of Assamese film ‘Prastawana – The Preamble’ unveiled
Condemning the “unconstitutional language” used by Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah during a press conference with journalists on June 27, the Guwahati Press Club will hold a protest at its premises on Saturday around 11:45 AM.
