Senior Journalist from Assam Manjit Mahanta accused of Sedition?

Guwahati, February 20, 2020:

After Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leaders, now senior Journalist of Assam and Sanmilita Sangram Parishad coordinator Manjit Mahanta has been accused of sedition.

Mahanta has been charged with involvement in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in December 2019.

Speaking to the media, Manjit Mahanta said that he received a letter on Tuesday where he was directed to be present at the Geetanagar Police Station, Guwahati. He had six to seven CrPC charges against him.

On verifying the charges, he found that he was accused of sedition, raging war against the state as well as obstructing public servant on duty. Mahanta suspected that the case was out against him because of a recent protest meeting that he attended in Tinsukia’s Panitola.

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Mahanta, following the instructions, arrived at the Geetanagar Police Station but interestingly, the police told him that there were no cases lodged at that particular police station. On verification, he was summoned at a police station in Tinsukia district.

Manjit Mahanta, known for voicing out his concerns openly, alleged that such issues have come up since the government wants to shut the mouths of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protestors by framing such charges on them. “We will not back out even if the government tries to frame us in such issues. Our fight against the CAA will continue”, he added.

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The senior journalist further added that if criticizing the government becomes a "war against the state" then there is nothing else left to be said. During all the rallies, they had appealed to the people to continue the protest but asked them to refrain from violence in any form, he added.

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