UKHRUL: Pratidin Media Network of Assam and North East Media Forum (NEMF), New Delhi condemned the attack on the Asomiya Pratidin newspaper by miscreants in the early hours of Friday and slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent statements allegedly targeting the media.
According to a statement issued by the Pratidin Media Network, unidentified miscreants allegedly pelted stones at the office building, shattering windows and desks used by reporters for their daily operations. At least two to three large-sized stones were hurled, one of which landed inside, it stated.
Expressing its strongest condemnation of the attack on the Lakhimpur Edition Office of Asomiya Pratidin newspaper, Pratidin Media Network termed the incident as a direct assault on the freedom of press and democratic values.
“While we are relieved that no staff members were physically harmed, the attack constitutes a direct assault on the freedom of the press and democratic values,” it stated.
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Stating that an FIR has been lodged at Khelmati Police Station, Pratidin Media Network urged the authorities to conduct a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice at the earliest.
It further stated, “We believe this incident cannot be viewed in isolation. It comes at a time when certain remarks made publicly by the Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma against sections of the media, including organisations under the Pratidin Media Network, have raised serious concerns.”
While speaking to the media Thursday night (the night before the attack), the Chief Minister reportedly questioned the credibility and functioning of media houses, including the Pratidin Media, suggesting bias and alleged that coverage is influenced by financial considerations.
It also expressed concern over the alleged statements made by the chief minister threatening certain media figures.
“Further, statements indicating that if the present government returns to power, media figures such as Jayanta Baruah (Editor, Asomiya Pratidin and Chairman of Pratidin Media Network) will be ‘politically and intellectually destroyed,’ are deeply concerning. Remarks about issuing instructions to officials and ministers to view non-coverage by specific media outlets as evidence of compromise or bribery, as well as references to developing ‘strategies’ against media houses, risk creating an environment that directly undermines the independence of the press,” it stated, while adding that the chief minister also allegedly emphasized that he would now do what he had not done before.
It reiterated that Pratidin Media Network, as a media institution that has served Assam with integrity for three decades, its editorial stance is guided solely by facts, public interest, and journalistic ethics and categorically rejected any insinuation that their work is influenced by inducements or any kind of external pressure.
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It also noted with concern and condemned Chief Minister Sarma’s targeting national and international media organizations, including BBC and The Lallantop.
“We view these developments with deep concern. Repeated confrontations and critical remarks directed at media organisations can create an environment where the press feels pressured and vulnerable.”
It also urged the chief minister to uphold the constitutional values of free speech and a free press, and to ensure that public discourse remains responsible and does not inadvertently encourage hostility towards media organisations and called upon the Assam government to guarantee the safety and security of journalists and media establishments across the state.
It continued, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to fearless and independent journalism. We will continue to report truthfully and responsibly, in the best interest of the people of Assam, without fear or favour. A strong democracy depends on a free and independent press. Any attempt, direct or indirect, to intimidate or silence the media, we believe, is a matter of grave concern.”
Meanwhile, the North East Media Forum (NEMF) also condemned the recent incidents of intimidation and violence against media houses and media persons in Assam and demanded the state government to take steps to create a conducive atmosphere for fearless and objective journalism.
NEMF stated that the recent public remarks by the chief minister, targeting sections of the media, have raised serious concerns about press freedom in the state.
“Statements by people holding constitutional positions, suggesting action against specific journalists and media organizations for raising issues apparently uncomfortable for them, might lead to unnecessary hostility toward the Fourth Pillar of democracy,” NEMF stated.
The Delhi-based media body condemned the attack on the Lakhimpur office of Asomiya Pratidin newspaper, and said that the incident represented a serious threat to the safety of journalists and an unacceptable assault on the freedom of the press.
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Demanding a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident and ensuring that those responsible are identified and brought to justice at the earliest, NEMF asserted that criticism of the media, in a democratic society, must remain constructive and within constitutional limits.
NEMF also noted with concern the targeting of reporters of national and international media organizations and stated that such actions risked undermining the principles of free expression and a pluralistic media environment.
“The North East Media Forum calls upon the Government of Assam to ensure the safety and security of journalists and media establishments across the state, uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression, and maintain a responsible and respectful public discourse,” it stated.
NEMF expressed its solidarity with journalists and media organizations across Assam and reaffirms its commitment to fearless, independent, and ethical journalism.