Journalists of Athagarh subdivision observed the National Press Day on Wednesday as “black day” in protest against police apathy towards arresting the accused involved in assaulting journalists Santosh Barik of Athagarh and Babul Sahoo of Tigiria recently.
As per reports, the police are dancing to the tune of politicians who are threatening the journalists of dire consequences if they publish any story on their misdeeds and embezzling public funds.
Due to the nexus between the cops and the politicians there is strong resentment among the local residents and they are bracing up for an agitation against the police. When the safety and security of mediapersons is at stake, then the condition of the common man can be well imagined, the journalists said.
The local scribes gathered before the office of the Sub- Collector and shouted slogans against the police and the administration for their apathy in arresting the accused involved in assaulting the journalists. Among others, Sudhiranjan Dash, Sailendra Pattnaik, lalatendu Senapati, Brahmananda lenka, Yasobant Barik, Nilakanth Dora, Sankarsan Mohanty, Ardhendu Mohanty,Gyanaranjan Sahani were present.