The Meghalaya Electronic Media Association (MEMA) has condemned the petrol bomb attack on the house of noted writer, social activist, senior journalist and Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim.
It may be mentioned that some miscreants hurled petrol bomb on Mukhim’s Shillong house at 8.35 pm on Tuesday.
“No one should come under attack in this society for simply doing their job. This kind of reckless criminality will not be tolerated,” stated a press communiqué issued by MEMA President Kyrmenlang Uriah and General Secretary Martin Nongkhlaw on Wednesday.
Expressing concern over the rising incidents of attack on journalists across the country, the MEMA leaders also stated, “We are concerned about the growing violence against journalists who play a crucial role in enabling citizens to know what is happening around, to keep the public informed and to expose the misdeeds of the mighty & powerful.”
Urging the police to trace those responsible for the attack on Mukhim’s house, the leaders of the journalists’ association further stated, “We from the association strongly condemn those responsible for throwing petrol bombs at the Editor’s residence and appeal to the police to track down those responsible and punish them according to the law of the land.”
On a post on her Facebook account after the incident, Mukhim, a Padma Shri awardee, who has remained vocal in various issues plaguing the society, stated on Tuesday , “My home attacked with petrol bomb today at 8.35 pm.”
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Expressing that she was shocked at the incident, Mukhim added, “I am shocked.”
Demanding arrest of the culprits behind the attack, Mukhim stated, “Those who did this ugly deed need to be arrested. I heard the explosion and the flames rising. It’s a terrible feeling.”
Mukhim, a reputed columnist, has been expressing her views through her writings and is known for her social activities.
A recipient of honours such as Chameli Devi Jain award, ONE India award, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry FLO award, Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity award, Siva Prasad Barooah National award and North East Excellence award, Mukhim was honoured by the Government of India with the civilian award of Padma Shri in 2000.