A Lonely Battle for Justice

Geographical boundaries should not divide us. There is already a feeling of alienation for the Northeast people and today I feel isolated and alienated all over again. This is not me seeking attention for my personal benefits but for all the journalists who work in the remotest corner of the country.

We are fighting a lonely battle for justice. Mizoram Journalists Association (MJA) on its part has held a sit in demonstration and sent letters with video evidence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Press Council of India, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the National Human Rights Commission, Kiren Rijiju and Mizoram MPs in Delhi. The NHRC has already taken initiative to find the truth and is seeking an explanation from the DGPs of both Mizoram and Assam. There has been no other positive outcome.

Meanwhile in the Delhi journalist assault case, the FIR has been registered under Section 354A (Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) of the IPC and the Station House Officer (Delhi Cantt.) has been sent to district lines pending inquiry. I believe such swift action was taken only because of the relentless coverage and protests by the journalist fraternity.

Even our call for justice would have been heard by the concerned authorities if you rallied as much as you did for the journalists in Delhi. Hear us, tell our stories and treat us like your brothers and sisters and your colleagues, for we all fight for the same thing, FREEDOM of the PRESS!! We want the same justice as the Delhi journalists.

(This is an opinion piece and the views expressed above are the narrator’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for them.)