Shillong, Nov 21: The Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) and Shillong Press Club on Tuesday condemned the killing of senior journalist in Tripura, Sudipta Datta Bhaumik.
In a statement issued here, MEPA expressed shocked with disbelief to learn that another journalist from Tripura, was alleged to have been shot dead by a PSO of a Commandant of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) on Tuesday.
Bhaumik had worked with a Bengali newspaper, Syandan Patrika, and local television channel, Venguard.
MEPA vehemently condemned this criminal act on the part of the TSR personnel and asked the law enforcing authorities of Tripura to give exemplary punishment according to the law of the land in order to deter others, including those law enforcers, to stop crimes against media persons which occurred there at regular intervals.
Sending its condolences to the bereaved family, MEPA demanded from the Tripura government to immediately extend ex-gratia payment to the bereaved family due to the gruesome murder of Mr Bhaumik.
It may be recalled that on September 20, Shantanu Bhaumik, a journalist with Din-Raat, a local TV news channel, was killed by a mob on the outskirts of Agartala when he had gone to cover an incident of clash between CPI(M) and IPFT supporters.
The Shillong Press Club also expressed deep grief and angst over yet another brutal murder of a member of the press fraternity in the sudden killing of Sudip Datta Bhowmik by sanctified servants of the society wearing uniforms (personnel of the Tripura State Riffles).
“In a matter of two months, the journalist fraternity in the North East in general and Tripura in particular, has lost two precious souls who have endeavoured to discharge their professional duties selflessly so much so that it cost them their lives. The first being the killing of Shantanu Bhaumik, a journalist with Din-Raat, a local TV news channel on September 20 by a mob on the outskirts of Agartala while he had gone to cover an incident of a clash between CPI(M) and IPFT supporters,” the Shillong Press Club said in a statement.
While demanding expeditious investigation and timely justice to the bereaved family members of “our slain colleagues,” the Shillong Press Club prayed for heavenly solace to Mr Sudip Datta Bhowmik and fervently wished that peace and better sense will prevail in this nation which is founded on these very principles.
