SPC, MEMA condemn attack on freelance journalist by timber smugglers

Shillong, Jan 24: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has strongly condemned the dastardly attack on journalist, Biplab Dey at Athiabari in West Khasi Hills on Tuesday night at around 10.30pm.

Dey was attacked by timber smugglers believed to be members of the All Rabha Student’s Union when he was capturing illegal timber smuggling activity in the area.

The assailants assaulted him, snatched both his phones and destroyed his camera.

Condemning the attack, the SPC urged police to immediately arrest people involved and deal with them as per law.

The SPC in a statement issued by president David Laitphlang conveyed its wishes to Dey for speedy recovery and iterated its belief that journalists will never be cowed down by such acts of cowardice.

The Meghalaya Electronic Media Association (MEMA) also condemned the attack and said that Dey was assaulted by timber smugglers when he went to take photo and video of an illegal transportation of timber from Garo hills region to Assam.

The freelance journalist was under attack by a group that was controlling the illegal business.

According to information received by MEMA, the mobile phone and camera of the journalist were snatched by smugglers to destroy evidence.

“MEMA considers this act as an attack on the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression of the media/press that play a crucial role in enabling citizens to know what is happening around, to keep the public informed and to expose the misdeeds of the mighty & powerful,” the statement said.

MEMA urged the State Police to also take action urgently against the group which has been identified as members of the All Rabha Students Union.

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