Assam Scribe Arrested for Anti-CAA Stand, Media Fraternity Demands Release

Jorhat, January 16, 2020:

Assam Journalists have demanded that their fellow Journalist Utpal Bora, who was arrested by Jorhat Police for engaging in the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, be released at the earliest.

On Thursday, the Journalists’ Association staged a demonstration wearing black masks in Jorhat district of Assam to protest against the government and District Police for arresting Utpal Bora on false charges. They have also demanded the unconditional release of peasant leader Akhil Gogoi.

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“Utpal Bora loved his community. He took part in the Andolan because the CAA was imposed on the Assamese. The Sarbananda Sonowal-led government and police officials arrested him. They have accused him of using slang words while addressing a rally. But all he said was “Joi Aai Axom” (Glory to Mother Assam),” said one of the protesters.

The Journalists have warned that the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government will be ousted in 2021 if their demand of releasing Utpal Bora is not fulfilled. “We will be compelled to throw them out of power if they don’t release him. We would also like to remind that KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi should also be released. He has not done anything anti-national. All he did was oppose the CAA along with the rest of the people. They have arrested him also in false charges,” alleged another Journalist who joined the protest.

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The Journalists have condemned the government for attacking free Press. Shouting slogans like “Sarbananda Sonowal murdabad”, “Home Ministry murdabad”, the Journalists’ Association of Jorhat has demanded that fellow Journalist Utpal Bora, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi and the ones who were arrested for raising their voices against government’s decision to implement CAA.

It may be mentioned here that the Police had detained and arrested many leaders who, according to them mobilized the Anti-CAA protests across Assam.

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