Scribes ask NE people to defy militant diktat, celebrate R-day

Guwahati:  Journalists Forum Assam has appealed to the people of the North East to defy the diktat of separatists and celebrate Republic Day.
The scribes’ body in a statement today also urged various local press clubs, press guilds and other media organisations across the region to celebrate the Day.
“The people should celebrate both Republic Day and Independence Day to pay homage to the thousands of martyrs of our freedom struggle. Every Indian citizen should show respect to the national flag on these two sacred days as the Tri-colour symbolises the sufferings and sacrifices of our freedom fighters,” the statement said.
The JFA has made it a ritual to observe both the days at Guwahati Press Club, defying the diktat of militants, the statement said.
The anti-talk ULFA (Independent), along with other hardliner militant outfits based in the region, has called for “boycott” of Republic Day celebrations and a “general strike” on the day, a customary practice.
The other armed outfits are National Democratic Front of Boroland (of Assam), National Liberation Front of Twipra (of Tripura), Hynnewtrep Liberation Council (of Meghalaya), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (of north Bengal and Assam) and Coordination Committee (CorCom) of Manipur-based militant groups.
Thousands of army, police and paramilitary troopers are standing guard in other northeastern states to ensure that militants are not able to create violence ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, particularly in Manipur.
Rebel groups often target vital installations like road and rail bridges, oil installations, and security forces.
The general strike on January 26 will begin from 1 AM and end at 5 PM and cover all forms of transportation, movement of vehicles, entertainment including cinema and theatre shows and all activities of trade and commerce, an ULFA statement said.
However, media, medical services and religious ceremonies shall be kept outside the purview of the general strike, the statement added. (PTI)