Assam CM reacts over Jayanta Mallabaruah's remarks against journalist, says " I apologise too if mistaken"
Assam CM reacts over Jayanta Mallabaruah's remarks against journalist, says " I apologise too if mistaken"
Digital Desk: Amid growing outrage among Assam's journalistic community, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a strong stand on Saturday on matters surrounding Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who allegedly made derogatory statements against a journalist during a recent press briefing.
Calling the remark "inappropriate," the Chief Minister not only urged the minister to deliver a public apology but also expressed personal regret for the occurrence. "If Jayanta Mallabaruah has used disrespectful words toward a journalist, I request him to apologize," Sarma was quoted as saying. "In our society, no one is above or beneath anyone—everyone deserves respect."
Sarma accepted moral responsibility and stated, "If a mistake has been made, I, too, apologize." It is not appropriate to address a journalist in such a manner.
The dispute arose from a news conference on June 27 in which Minister Baruah allegedly referred to a journalist from the Sadin-Pratidin group as belonging to a "lower class" when answering questions on the Gir cow row. The remark triggered an immediate and severe backlash, with journalist unions and press associations staging statewide protests demanding an official apology and accountability.
"Journalists are not the target in our political disagreements," Chief Minister Sarma added, clearly distinguishing between media ownership and working journalists. If any offensive language was used, it needs to be changed.
However, "we should not confuse ownership of media outlets with political tensions. When necessary, I criticize owners rather than reporters," CM Sarma stated.
Sarma also took advantage of the opportunity to consider the cultural sensitivities at play in current discussions. "Hemkosh is not just a book; it is a national treasure," he said, referring to the Assamese dictionary that recently garnered political attention. It is never appropriate to involve issues of such cultural significance in disputes.
