JFA appeals for defying militants' diktat on I-Day

The Journalists Forum Assam (JFA) has appealed to the people of the north eastern region to defy the militants' diktat and celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner.
In a statement, the Assam-based body urged the people of the region to hoist the national flag at their residences, residential colonies and other significant locations ignoring the militant's call for boycott of the day's festivities.
JFA president Rupam Barua and secretary N Thakuria said the national flag does not belong to the government machinery alone but to the countrymen and should be hoisted by all to commemorate the occasion.
"Every Indian should celebrate Independence Day and also Republic Day to pay their tribute to the known and unknown martyrs of India's Freedom Struggle for their supreme sacrifices," they said.

Besides, many martyrs of Assam including Kanaklata, Kushal Konwar, Tilak Deka, Bhogeswari Phukanani, Nidhanu Rajbangshi, Kamala Miri, Lerela Boro, Madan Rauta, Hemoram Patar, Gunabhi Bordoloi had laid down their lives for the honour of the tricolor.
The forum also appealed to the city-based media persons and citizens to join in the celebrations of India's 67th I-Day in the Guwahati Press Club premises on August 15 where the National flag will be unfurled at 11.00 AM.
A group of separatist outfits of the north east, including anti-talk Paresh Baruah faction ULFA(Independent), have called their customary boycott and general strike on Independence Day in the region from 1.30 AM to 5.30 PM.

The other outfits are Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (Meghalaya), Kamatapur Liberation Organisation, National Liberation Front of Tripura, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit faction) and the coordination committee of six Manipur based armed groups.