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Alert

CJFE calls for renewed effort in investigation of journalist's murder

(CJFE/IFEX) - In a letter to the High Commissioner of India to Canada, CJFE urges authorities to take greater steps to find the killers of journalist Anil Majumder in Assam.

His Excellency Rajamani Lakshmi Narayan
High Commissioner of India to Canada
10 Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C9

June 2, 2009

Dear High Commissioner,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE calls for renewed investigatory efforts into the murder of Anil Majumder, editor of the "Aji" daily newspaper in Guwahati, India. Majumder left behind a wife and two daughters. Majumder was shot on March 24, 2009, upon arriving home from work late at night. Over two months later, the investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has failed to make significant progress. The identity and motivation of the gunmen remain unknown although there was a witness to the shooting.

Guwahati is the capital of Assam, the most northeastern state of India. According to Reporters Without Borders, journalists in Assam face increasing danger as separatist groups in this region grow more active. According to various sources, up to 20 journalists have been killed in Assam over the last two decades and none of the killers have been brought to justice.

CJFE urges the CID to renew its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice in this and in other cases. We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply.

Yours Sincerely,

Arnold Amber, CJFE President

Cc: Joseph Caron, High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of India; The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs