SHILLONG, JAN 7: Working journalists in the state have demanded the home minister James K Sangma to tender an unconditional apology for misbehaving with the members of the fourth estate.
Sangma was also demanded to answers to the queries pertaining to the various issues concerning the state.
The decision was taken at an emergent meeting, which was attended by over 40 journalists at the Shillong Press Club in the city here on Tuesday. Later, a letter conveying the unanimous decision was also submitted to Sangma.
The home minister while refusing to take questions instead accused journalists of blocking his way on January 6, and even confronted a senior journalist asking him “what is your problem”.
Eight journalists had sought an appointment to meet the home minister but since he was busy, they decided to wait in front of his office chamber and talk to him as soon as he came out.
Media persons had wanted to talk to Sangma on a number of issues related to power and district council affairs.
Terming the incident as unprecendented, the journalists in the letter to Sangma said, “We are compelled to write this letter condemning your uncalled for assault against the press people waiting at your door for a meeting with you to seek answers to several questions currently being raised by the public. Your unwanted behavior which is all recorded on video camera was shocking and unprecedented for the press people who have been in the field for many years.”
“We therefore, demand an unconditional apology for your act of humiliating the press and threatening violence against a senior member of our fraternity, who only sought to shake hands and put you some questions,” they said.
The journalists also said the home minister have remained elusive despite trying to meet him many times as they decided to send him list of 24 questions for him to answer.
“As it has not been possible to meet you, we have decided to send you this list of questions which requires your urgent answers for the enlightenment of the citizens of the state, who are in the dark about these important issues,” they said.
Following are the questions put forth by the journalists to the home minister.
1) When is the state delegation meeting the Union home minister Amit Shah on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue?
2) Suspected miscreants from across the international border entered Indian territory and attacked civilians near Dawki border village. What are the steps taken to verify the culprits and bring them to book and ensure security of the citizens in the border area?
3) What are the actions being taken by the state government to prevent illegal transportation of coal in the state? What do you have to say on the allegation that these illegalities are being carried out right the under the nose of the state police?
4) Are you aware that coal-laden trucks are plying round the clock on the national highways?
5) You as the home minister never gave statements when the state was facing law and order problems. Why were you silent?
6) You are alleged to have been responsible for illegal collection in Dainadubi check gate. What do you have to say about this?
7) What do you have to say on the allegation of nexus between police and ministers, politicians and the coal barons in the alleged illegal coal transportation on the highways?
8) What is the status of the inquiry into the suspected murder of a KSU leader Teiborlang Marwein in South West Khasi Hills district?
9) What measures being taken to prevent crimes against women and children in the light of numerous cases recorded in the state, the latest being the gang rape of a minor girl in West Jaintia Hills District?
10) What is the government doing about the cry of the people residing along the dispute areas on the Assam-Meghalaya border with the repeated atrocities against them by the Assam police?
11) What is the status of the assault case on Agnes Kharshiing and Amita Sangma and the murder of
Poipynhun Majaw, former president of the Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF)
12) What is the power scenario in the state?
13) What is the reason behind the loadshedding? How long will the loadshedding continue?
14) What is the status of the Saubhagya scheme being implemented in the state?
15) When will the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) be restructured?
16) When will the state government clear the pending dues of more than Rs 600 crores to NEEPCO?
17) Are there any pending dues with other power generating companies? Please give details.
18) What is the status of the hydro and thermal power projects in the state?
19) There were many assault and arson cases during the anti-CAA protests and ILP campaigns? How many FIRs were filed and the status of each case?
20) A mock drill was conducted on 6 th January, 2020 creating panic among the public in the city. Is the government anticipating any future trouble and from who?
21) Has there been any inquiry ordered into the alleged diversion of central fund worth over Rs 16.50 crore by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC)? What is the government’s take on the demand made by the 4 MDCs for a CBI probe?
22) What is the status in as far as the appointment of the CEM of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District
Council (KHADC) is concerned?
23) Has the Governor approve the recommendation of the Cabinet for invoking the Administrator’s
Rule in the KHADC?
24) What step the state government is taking to address the financial crunch faced by the three
autonomous district councils (ADCs) – KHADC, JHADC and GHADC?
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