IFJ Protests Against Abduction and Alleged Death of Journalist in India

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has sent a letter of protest to the Governor of Assam, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ajai Singh, voicing its concern over the abduction and possible death of journalist Indra Mohan Hakasam.

The IFJ have protested to the Prime Minister of India in the following letter:

21 November 2003

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ajai Singh
Governor of Assam
Raj Bhawan, Kharguli,
Guwahati-7810041

Fax: +91-361-2540310


Your Excellency,

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation of journalists, representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, is deeply concerned over the abduction and alleged death of journalist of Indra Mohan Hakasam, a local correspondent from Goalpara, Assam working for Amar Asam, an Assamese daily published from Guwahati.

According to our information, leaders Doleng Rava and Sanjib Rava from United Liberation Force of Assam (ULFA), an outlawed militant outfit active in Assam, abducted Hakasam from his house on the evening of 24 June 2003.

According to our information local newspapers have recently reported that the ultra militant outfit have killed Hakasam. Hakasam is married with two young children. His family has not been given valid proof of his alleged death by the proper authorities.

The IFJ supports the Journalists Union of Assam (JUA) in its announcement of a one-day sit in strike at the premises of Guwahati Press Club on 21 November to ensure that Hakasam’s case is solved.

The IFJ is deeply concerned over the increasing violence towards journalists in India. The IFJ urges the government of India to remember the vital importance of a free press in a democracy; and to do all that is necessary to ensure that press freedom is not corrupted.

Further, the IFJ calls upon the Government of India to ensure press freedom and safety for all journalists and members of the media community in India.

The IFJ calls on the Government of India to launch a full investigation into Hakasam’s cause ensuring that justice is brought to all those involved.

Yours sincerely,



Christopher Warren
President, IFJ

Recommended action:

Send appeals:

  • Condemning the abduction and possible death of journalist Indra Mohan Hakasam.
  • To launch a full investigation into these allegations and to bring justice to those involved.
  • Urging the Prime Minister to ensure press freedom and the safety of journalists in India.

    Appeals:


    Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ajai Singh
    Governor of Assam
    Raj Bhawan, Kharguli,
    Guwahati-7810041
    Fax:: +91-361-2540310

    For further information please contact Jacqui Park at mailto:[email protected]

    Please copy appeals to the IFJ Asia Office at mailto:[email protected]