Guwahati, April 12: Journalists in Guwahati have raised serious concerns over what they described as attacks on the media during the recently concluded Assam Assembly elections, flagging growing threats to press freedom in the state.
At a protest meeting held at the Gauhati Press Club, attended by around 150 media professionals, participants resolved to escalate the issue to top authorities. Memorandums are set to be submitted to Droupadi Murmu, Narendra Modi, and the Election Commission of India.
The journalists cited multiple incidents that triggered concern, including remarks attributed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who allegedly stated that he would “politically and intellectually” finish off two media groups if re-elected. They also referred to an alleged attack on the North Lakhimpur office of the Assamese daily Asomiya Pratidin, reported shortly after polling concluded on April 9.
Participants at the meeting described these developments as indicative of a “systematic attack” on the press, warning that such actions undermine the independence and functioning of the media, particularly during the electoral process.
As part of their demands, the journalists called for the formation of an independent media commission comprising retired judges, legal experts, and civil society representatives to address issues related to press freedom and security.
The gathering adopted three resolutions, including plans to organise a larger citizens’ meet to raise awareness on the issue. The Gauhati Press Club also appealed to press clubs across Assam to hold similar protests and collectively push for institutional intervention.
Memorandums will additionally be sent to the Press Council of India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the state’s Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police, seeking action on the concerns raised.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly was held on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
