Photojournalist arrested in Nagaon over "Pakistan Zindabad" slogan

Hareswar Bora, Nagaon: A photojournalist, Navajyoti Laskar, was arrested at Kampur in Nagaon district, for uploading a video with the slogan "Pakistan Zindabad" on his Facebook account. The video was reportedly taken from a "Tiranga Yatra" rally organized by ex-servicemen at Kampur on May 18, which was attended by thousands of people, including local MLA Jitu Goswami. The video uploaded by Laskar contained the objectionable slogan shouted by someone who also participated in the rally, which led to widespread outrage. A group of people took him to the police station, where in presence of the local MLA, an FIR was lodged against him under the National Security Act. Laskar was later sent to Nagaon Sadar police station. The incident sparked a strong reaction from the journalism community at Kampur as well as in the district. Journalists gathered at the Kampur Unnati Sadhani Sabha Griha and condemned the attack on Laskar. They demanded that the authorities take action against those who took the law into their own hands and identify the person responsible for the slogan. The journalists wore black ribbons in protest and decided not to cover any news related to political parties until Laskar gets justice. They also demanded a forensic test of the video to identify the person behind the objectionable slogan. The Nagaon District Journalists' Union (APKU) has also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. APKU President Apurba Hazarika and Secretary Samarendra Narayan Borah have called for action to ensure justice for Laskar.