Scribe murdered in Assam

Prahlad Goala, an active journalist writing environmental issues of Assam and a local correspondent of Asomiya Khabar, was brutally murdered on the night of January 6 at Thuramukh near Nambar reserve forest. Forest ranger KZ Zaman Jinnah is allegedly involved in the murder. Prahlad published several news items against the corrupt forest officer who was involved in malpractices inside Nambar reserve forest.

It is worth mentioning that the forest ranger had threatened Goala with dire consequences for the news published against him. The forest ranger had threatened to kill Goala only a week ago. He had also threatened the general secretary of Nambar Suraksha Samiti, Deven Gogoi, two days earlier.

Today, the Golaghat District Journalists’ Association (GDJA) at its office campus convened a condolence meeting where Goala’s mortal remains were honoured by a large number of people.

PL Nath, working president, GDJA, among others, addressed the condolence meet. The speakers vehemently criticized the inaction of the district administration and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits along with the ranger.

Staff Reporter adds: According to police, the forest ranger Kaziruj Zaman Jinnah who is alleged to have been involved in the murder has been arrested. A case No 14/06 IPC 302-109 has been registered and further investigations are on, Golaghat Superintendent of Police Madan Chetia said.

Condemning the killing of the journalist, the GDJA has demanded a judicial probe in a memorandum submitted to the Golaghat Deputy Commissioner. According to Rohit Gogoi, general secretary of the association, a large number of journalists, people from different backgrounds and a group representing the Tengani Sangram Samiti have all urged the Government to ensure security to journalists. From today an indefinite sit-in strike is also being organised.

Gogoi further mentioned that Goala, who was 33, had taken up his assignment as correspondent for the Asamiya Khabar in August 2004. Since then, he had exposed several illegal activities involving forest officials. The conservation group Aaranyak has also strongly condemned the incident and demanded a high-level probe into the death of Gowala.

Ullaash Kumar.R.K,
Freelance Journalist, Wildlifer
Mobile: 94484-94703
ullaashkumar yahoo.co.uk
rkullash_ooty yahoo.com
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