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April 13, 2026 – India –
Journalists in India’s northeastern state of Assam have staged protests and issued strong warnings over what they describe as a growing pattern of intimidation and attacks on the media, particularly during the recent state assembly elections.
The demonstrations, including a protest captured in Nagaon district, reflect mounting concern within the press community about the safety and independence of journalists operating in the region. These protests coincided with broader discussions among media professionals who argue that recent incidents signal an increasingly hostile environment for independent reporting.
At the centre of the response was a protest meeting held at the Gauhati Press Club in Guwahati, where around 150 journalists gathered to deliberate on the issue. Participants alleged that the incidents during the election period were not isolated but indicative of a “systematic attack” on the press, raising alarm about the erosion of democratic safeguards.
Among the incidents cited were controversial remarks attributed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who reportedly warned of taking action against specific media organisations. Journalists also pointed to an alleged attack on the North Lakhimpur office of the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin, which occurred shortly after polling concluded on April 9. These developments were described as deeply troubling signals of pressure on media institutions during a critical electoral process.
In response, the journalists adopted a series of resolutions aimed at escalating the matter to national authorities. Plans include submitting formal memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Election Commission of India, and other relevant institutions, urging intervention to safeguard press freedom.
The gathering also called for structural reforms, including the establishment of an independent media commission composed of retired judges, legal experts, and civil society representatives. Such a body, they argued, could help address grievances related to journalist safety and ensure accountability in cases involving threats or violence against the press.
Additionally, the Gauhati Press Club appealed to press bodies across Assam and beyond to organise similar demonstrations, signalling an effort to build nationwide solidarity around the issue.
The protests underscore growing unease among journalists in Assam, who warn that without immediate corrective measures, the space for independent and critical reporting could continue to shrink, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.
Reference –
https://theprint.in/india/journalists-express-concern-over-attacks-on-media-in-assam/2902592/
