Assam press bodies condemn attack on ‘Asomiya Pratidin’ office, flag safety concerns for journalists

Press associations in Assam on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state was carrying out “systematic attacks” on the media, creating an atmosphere that threatens the freedom of journalists.

The statements came a day after unidentified persons attacked the Lakhimpur office of Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin on Friday. The attack took place less than 24 hours after polling for the Assembly elections concluded.

In a statement, the newspaper said that no staff members were injured in the attack, but described the incident as a “direct assault on the freedom of the press and democratic values”.

A first information report has been registered in connection with the incident, North East Now reported.

The Gauhati Press Club held a protest meeting on Saturday. The club quoted Nitumoni Saikia, editor of news channel Pratidin Time, as having said during the meeting that while the media “was targeted” during the tenures of Chief Ministers Hiteswar Saikia and Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, “the situation wasn’t like it is now”.

“It is only the current chief minister who asks the names of media house owners, religion, etc,” Nitumoni Saikia was quoted as having said.

Pankaj Nath, the president of the All Assam Journalists’ Association, was quoted as having urged journalists to unite and raise their voices against attacks on the press.

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