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July 06, 2025 – India –
Madhurjya Saikia, a journalist based in Dhemaji district of Assam, was seriously injured after being attacked while on assignment. The assault occurred under unclear circumstances, and Saikia was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries have sparked widespread concern among journalist unions and media watchdogs across India.
The attack on Saikia comes amid a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against media workers in India. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), along with local affiliates, has condemned the incident and called on authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. They emphasised that physical attacks on journalists are not isolated events but part of a growing climate of hostility that undermines press freedom and puts reporters at constant risk.
Press unions in both Assam and Maharashtra have recently raised concerns about increasing incidents of threats, harassment, and violence directed at journalists. They argue that inaction by local authorities and insufficient legal protections embolden those who wish to silence independent reporting. The IFJ stressed that governments at both state and national levels must take stronger measures to ensure journalist safety, including swift prosecution of perpetrators and adequate institutional safeguards.
Saikia’s case has become a rallying point for renewed demands that journalists be allowed to work without fear of violence. Media groups have highlighted that without safety and accountability, the press cannot function as a watchdog in a democratic society. Calls are growing for the implementation of journalist protection legislation and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to track attacks and enforce accountability.
As Madhurjya Saikia recovers, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers many Indian journalists face on the ground and the urgent need for systemic action to protect them.
References –
https://nagalandpost.com/journalist-injured-in-attack-in-assams-dhemaji/
