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JD NEWS VISION…..
Issued by Indian Journalists Union (IJU)
The Indian Journalists Union expresses its strongest condemnation of the recent spate of attacks on media institutions and journalists in Assam during and after the election campaign period. The targeting of the office of Asomiya Pratidin and the growing pattern of hostility against journalists represent a deeply disturbing trend that strikes at the very foundation of democratic values.
IJU President Geetartha Pathak stated that such acts of intimidation are “not isolated incidents but part of a larger and dangerous pattern aimed at silencing independent journalism.” He said that when journalists are attacked for their work, it is not merely an assault on individuals or institutions, but an attack on the people’s right to know.
The Union also expresses grave concern over the increasingly hostile posture adopted by sections of the ruling establishment in Assam, including senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The conduct and public statements of ministers, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have contributed to an environment where journalists are subjected to intimidation, vilification, and coercive actions for critical reporting.
Particularly alarming is the vindictive action against senior journalist Nitumoni Saikia, who has been served with an arbitrary eviction notice by the Assam State Housing Board. The IJU views this as a clear attempt to target and harass a journalist for her professional work. Reports of similar pressures being exerted on other journalists further reinforce concerns about the shrinking space for independent media in the state.
IJU Secretary General Vinod Kohli stated that “the systematic targeting of journalists through physical attacks, administrative harassment, and political intimidation is unacceptable in a democratic society. Such actions undermine the credibility of democratic institutions and erode public trust.”
The IJU calls upon the Government of Assam to:
Ensure immediate and impartial investigation into the attack on media establishments and journalists;
Withdraw all arbitrary and vindictive actions against journalists, including the eviction notice served to Nitumoni Saikia;
Take concrete steps to guarantee the safety and security of journalists across the state.
The Union firmly urges the ruling party leaders to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press and to demonstrate tolerance towards dissenting voices. A vibrant, independent, and fearless media is indispensable for the smooth and balanced functioning of a democracy.
The Indian Journalists Union stands in solidarity with the journalists Union of Assam, Guwshati Press Club and the journalists of the state and reiterates its commitment to defend press freedom and democratic rights across the country.
Vinod Kohli….
