Skip to content Skip to navigation

JFA condemns killing of Chhattisgarh journalist Sai Reddy

Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) has expressed shock at the killing of Chhattisgarh based journalist Sai Reddy, who according to media report, was killed by Maoist activist on Friday last. Reddy (51), a native of Basaguda village in Naxalite-hit Bijapur district of south Chhattisgarh, used to write for Deshbandhu newspaper of the State. Media reports say that Reddy was attacked by a group of Maoists with sharp weapons in broad daylight on December 6. Reddy was returning from Basaguda weekly market on that day, when he was allegedly attacked by the Maoist activists and he later succumbed to his injuries while on the way to the Bijapur hospital. Reddy, who was an active, honest and dedicated rural journalist received warnings from the Maoists in last few months. In fact, he was caught in the police-Maoist conflict as he was also suspected to be a Maoist sympathizer. However, his articles irritated the Maoists also, as he was critical against the misdeeds of Maoists. “We condemn the incident. This is the second killing of a journalist by Maoists in Bastar this year. In February, the killing of Nemichand Jain (43) had led to an outrage following which the Maoists had apologized,” a local newspaper of Chhattisgarh reported while quoting Bastar Patrakar Sangh. Two more journalists of the State namely Sushil Pathak and Umesh Rajput were also slaughtered by miscreants before Nemichand Jain and Sai Reddy during the last three years. The Chhattisgarh government has hardly acted to resolve the cases and to punish the culprits involved behind the killings till today, added the report. The JFA, in a statement issued by its president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria, termed the killing of Sai Reddy as a cowardice act and demanded the Chhattisgarh police to take appropriate actions to book the killers under the law.

“We also extend our supports to the agitating journalists of Chhattisgarh, who have demonstrated against the killing of journalists in the State. Though we in Assam have not won our battles against the perpetrators even after losing over 20 editor-journalist-correspondents to anti-social elements in the last two decades, we must not get demoralized and continue our fights for justice,” said the JFA statement.

The intolerance grown by the Maoists in the recent past should also awaken the section of media persons, who remain sympathizers to the ultras, for the sack of impartial journalism, concluded the JFA statement adding that the incident may also remind the journalists of northeast India to maintain equidistance from both the men in uniform and the separatist ultras for their own security.

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org

Add new comment

Random Stories

Musical night at Umrangso

18 Oct 2012 - 1:59pm | Anup Biswas
As a never before Gesture at Umrangso, the Haflong based Assam Rifles Battalion filled the night of October 14 with music and colours. The Battalion organized a Cultural programme cum Dance Night at...

Call for vaccination in Assam to fight Japanese Encephalitis

5 Sep 2010 - 2:51pm | Mowsam Hazarika
Participants of a recent Assam Science Society (ASS) interactive meet, held on 21.08.2010 at the North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat called for steps to engage Regional Medical...

Five ailing after mushroom consumption

29 May 2016 - 3:42pm | Shajid Khan
Five members of a family of Uttar Kuiwa Beel in Kalaigaon area of Udalguri district fell ill on Saturday after consuming wild mushrooms. Bhanita Boro studying at Uttar Darrang HS School and Baisumoi...

Strange poll arrangement

13 Mar 2014 - 8:35pm | Raju Baruah
In a significant development, the Adivashi National Convention has forged secret poll pact with Trinamool Congress and AIUDF.That’s why, TMC has fielded Justin Lakra in Tezpur while AIUDF has decided...

Other Contents by Author

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable agriculture and the preservation of indigenous livestock, Saras Dairy, under the guidance of Joraram Kumawat, Minister of Animal Husbandry, proudly unveils its latest offering: pasteurized camel milk. This initiative, achieved through collaboration with Bahula Food Pvt Ltd and Urmul Seemant Samiti, signifies a pioneering step in the realm of public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting herders and safeguarding the invaluable camel population. Gratitude is extended to all stakeholders, including Mahant Pratap Puri, MLA Pokhran, and Dr. Bhawani Singh Rathore, Animal Husbandry Director, for their indispensable contributions. Recognition is...
Assam Times (.org) ("Assam Times", "we", "us", or "our") respects the privacy of our users ("you", "your"). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect from and about you when you visit our website (the "Website") and how we use that information.   Information We Collect We collect two types of information on this Website: Personal Information: This is information that can be used to identify you as an individual, such as your name, email address, and any other information you choose to share in comments, forums, or other interactive features. We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us. Non-Personal Information: This...
In a landmark move, participants of the International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future, convened in Shillong on February 9th and 10th, 2024, have jointly adopted the "Shillong Declaration." This declaration underscores the critical interlinkages between water resources and hill ecosystems, emphasizing a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in these regions.   The vital role of water as a critical resource and the need for enhanced resilience around water in hilly terrains, as underscored by the declining water table and spring water levels, waning traditional water systems, retreating, and polluting rivers, changing rainfall patterns, increase...
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Today marks the commencement of the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, a transformative forum orchestrated by the Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities. Held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Maru Manthan stands as a beacon for celebrating the indomitable spirit of the desert and fostering sustainable solutions amidst its challenges. The forum draws together an illustrious lineup of organizations and individuals dedicated to desert conservation and community empowerment. Representatives from esteemed entities such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation (...
The 'Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024', a five-day cultural extravaganza showcasing Northeast India's richness, kicks off on January 13 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC, the festival aims to display diverse arts, crafts, and cultures, fostering economic opportunities. With 250 participants including weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event features panel discussions, buyer-seller meets, traditional performances, and a focus on women's roles in regional development. Highlighting the youth's contribution and challenges, the festival aims to explore how they can shape India's economic landscape. Additionally, specialized...
In a bid to empower the youth against the perils of single-use plastics, the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge made significant strides in Assam. The WWF-India, alongside UNEP, orchestrated a pivotal Teachers’ Training Program on December 19th, 2023, at Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Silpukhuri. This initiative, a global endeavor ongoing since 2019, aims to cultivate leadership qualities among the youth to combat the menace of plastic pollution. WWF-India has taken the helm as the knowledge and implementing partner, customizing and executing the program's intricacies across the country. The training session witnessed the active participation of teachers from 37...
December 10, 2023, saw the Indigenous Peoples'  of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, Northeast, joined by the Jatiatabad Punar Nirman Samiti, observe World Human Rights Day in diverse regions of the state. The programme was held at Guwahati Press Club. A discussion titled "Human Rights and Northeast Region" was arranged. Notable speakers, including Pradeep Gogoi, Vice President of the ULFA (Discussion faction), L. Khongsai, President of Assam Kuki Welfare Society, N.G. Sanahaal Singha, President of Assam Manipuri Students' Association, Mrinal Gohain, Thinker, Meishnam Bhagat Singha, Paotinlen Chongloui, human rights activist, Shaheen Ahmed, academic and researcher, Rajkumar Baishya,...
Guwahati: The Indigenous peoples of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, North East India (IPMDCKANEI) came together on Assam Divas (Sukafa Divas) to address critical issues impacting their communities. Held at the Conference Hall, Media Trust', Rup Nagar, Guwahati, the day-long program included a significant round table conference featuring ethnic activists from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. The event commenced with tributes to historical figures, Chao Pha Chao lung Sukafa and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, followed by intense discussions on the challenges confronting indigenous groups in North East India. Representatives from various organizations including the United Bodo Peoples...
Representatives from various indigenous groups and environmental organizations convened in Gangtok, Sikkim, for the North East India Meet on Free Flowing Rivers. The gathering, hosted by the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and the Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, concluded with a significant resolution aimed at safeguarding the region's rivers and biodiversity. "We recognize the intrinsic rights of rivers to flow freely and the vital relationship between indigenous communities and their natural resources," emphasized a spokesperson from the conference. The Teesta Declaration outlined pressing concerns regarding the construction of...
Guwahati: The commencement of preliminary work on the flyover linking the Dighalipukhuri point with the Bamunimaidan area has sparked concerns among the media fraternity in Guwahati. The ongoing development, anticipated to be the longest flyover in Assam stretching over six kilometers and set for completion by 2026, has raised issues for the city's Press Club situated in the Ambari locality. As construction gears up, the Press Club faces a significant reduction in its working space due to the flyover's expansion. This reduction is poised to create parking challenges for members and visitors alike during and after the construction phase, prompting the Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) to...