Mail News Service
Seraikela, May 25: The All India Small and Medium Journalists Welfare Association (AISMJWA) submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner addressed to the Chief Minister Hemant Soren, addressing various demands related to the welfare and protection of journalists. The memorandum was presented by AISMJWA representatives Ajay Mahato and Umakant Kar to the Seraikela-Kharsanwa Deputy Commissioner, Arwa Rajkamal.
The action taken by AISMJWA comes in the wake of the recent incident where journalist Pravir Mahato was fired upon in Balliapur, Dhanbad. The association has been actively advocating for the rights and security of journalists, and as part of their campaign, they have been handing over 9-point demand letters to local MLAs, Deputy Commissioners, and SDMs across different districts.
The memorandum submitted to Deputy Commissioner Arwa Rajkamal consisted of nine crucial demands. These demands encompassed various aspects such as ensuring proper treatment for journalist Pravir Mahato, compensation for the victim, the apprehension of the criminals involved, the enactment of a journalist security law, the establishment of an accreditation committee, and the formation of a journalist commission.
After handing over the memorandum, Ajay Mahato, the Kolhan General Secretary of AISMJWA, expressed hope that the Hemant government would swiftly address the concerns raised by the association and take significant actions in the interest of journalists. He emphasized the need for the arrest of the criminals responsible for the attack on Pravir Mahato, while also calling for a high-level inquiry by the Dhanbad police. Umakant Kar, the Kolhan Secretary of AISMJWA, highlighted the ongoing efforts being made by the association in all districts of the state to implement the Journalist Protection Act. He mentioned that journalists are receiving support from both the government and the opposition regarding this legislation. Kar also revealed that the state is on the verge of implementing the Journalist Honor Protection Scheme, further safeguarding the rights and well-being of journalists. However, he emphasized that if there were any delays in the implementation, the association would continue to raise awareness and pressurize the government through agitation in all districts.
