AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal apologised Thursday for abusing and threatening a journalist amid state-wide protests condemning his comments.
Journalists' associations, political parties and several outfits took on Ajmal who threatened to smash the local television reporter's head for asking a politically loaded question on next year's general elections.
In a tweet, Ajmal said, "Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and I have always respected media persons and everybody knows that I have sincere regards for them.
"The Mankachar incident was an unintentional aberration and I sincerely apologise for that to all concerned (sic)."
In another tweet, he said, "The incident which took place today was not intentional. The concerned reporter used to ask silly question every time (sic)."
Assam State Journalists Association chief Jitu Sarma condemned the incident and said, "He should learn how to talk to journalists as media is the fourth pillar of democracy."
In a statement, the Journalists' Forum Assam or JFA said, "It is a matter of shame for a lawmaker in the world's largest democracy that he could not digest a question in a formal press conference."
On Wedneday,
Ajmal was talking to reporters after a function at Mankachar in South Salmara-Mankachar district when the journalist asked him about AIUDF's alliance plans for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He refused a direct reply and said, "We are with Mahagathbandhan (opposition) in Delhi."
To this, Ajmal lost his temper and said, "How many crore will you give? (abuse)... Is it journalism? People like you are demeaning journalism. This man is against us from earlier on."
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