Udalguri, May 27: Concern has surfaced in Tongla town of Assam’s Udalguri district after unidentified individuals allegedly removed the signboard of the Tongla Press Club and dug up land earmarked for the construction of its permanent office, prompting the organisation to demand an investigation and action against those responsible.
According to members of the Tongla Press Club, the organisation has been functioning for nearly two decades, serving areas across northern Udalguri district up to the Bhutan border. The club has reportedly been facing difficulties due to the absence of a permanent office building and had recently begun efforts to establish its own office infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, a signboard had been installed at the proposed site near the office of the Harisinga Revenue Circle Officer. However, press club members alleged that unidentified miscreants uprooted and removed the signboard during the night and also carried out excavation work at the site.
The incident has raised further questions after officials from different departments reportedly denied knowledge of the activities. According to the press club, the Lat Mandal under the Harisinga Revenue Circle stated that no permission for land excavation had been granted. Officials of the Tongla Municipal Board and the Public Works Department also reportedly expressed no knowledge regarding the digging work.
The lack of information from multiple departments has led to questions regarding who carried out the activity and whether any authority had approved the work.
Strongly condemning the incident, the Tongla Press Club described the development as an attack on the “fourth pillar of democracy”. The organisation stated that such incidents raised concerns about the security of democratic institutions.
The press club has demanded a proper investigation into the matter and strict action against those found responsible. It also alleged that there may be attempts to create disputes regarding the land occupied in the name of the Tongla Press Club.
