Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 20 JULY: The West Bengal state committee of the Indian Journalist Association (IJA) has established a three-member committee to address allegations against Subhamay Mitra, the District Information and Cultural Officer (DICO) of Nadia. Mr Mitra is accused of obstructing two reporters from obtaining Election Commission (EC) identity cards during the recent Lok Sabha elections and the Ranaghat South by-election.
Headed by the state secretary, the newly formed committee aims to create pressure on state government authorities to take appropriate action against Mr Mitra. Two reporters, from reputed daily newspapers in North 24 Parganas, were allegedly denied EC identity cards multiple times, preventing them from covering the elections.
In response to the obstruction, IJA leaders, including Sukhendu Acharya, had submitted a letter to Mr Mitra seeking clarification. The letter warned of potential agitation if a satisfactory explanation was not provided within seven days.
During the state committee meeting held on Friday, the issue was thoroughly discussed, leading to the formation of the committee. Sukhendu Acharya was also selected as a vice-president of the state committee in this meeting.
Mr. Sekhar Sengupta, editor of Dainik Statesman and a prominent member of the state committee, announced upcoming programmes organized by IJA. These include an eye-examination camp on 27 July and a cultural program at the Kolkata Press Club in mid-August.
The IJA state committee remains committed to ensuring that journalists can carry out their duties without hindrance and will continue to advocate for their rights and protections, Mr Sengupta said.
Tags: #IJA #StateCommittee #KolkataPressClub #DICO #Nadia
