Assam CM threatens legal action against journalist for questing on anti-CAA protest

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has faced flak after his response to a journalist's question regarding the anti-CAA protests in the state.

During a press interaction, Sarma rebuked the journalist, stating, "I have not witnessed any protest. You may face legal action for saying this because you are making false claims. I will ask a magistrate to record your statement right now. Don’t speak like this. What motive do you have for inciting agitation?"

The incident, captured on video, has since been widely shared on social media platforms. The journalist in question, identified as Syed Nizamuddin Ahmed, was reportedly working with the Guwahati-based satellite channel NB News.

He had sought the Chief Minister's reaction to the protests staged by various organizations across Assam against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), in the sidelines of a programme in Baihata Chariali.

Criticism mounted against Chief Minister Sarma on social media, with many social media users condemning his perceived intimidation of the journalist for simply asking a question on a sensitive issue affecting Assam's future.

Some questioned whether journalists no longer had the democratic right to inquire about such matters to a chief minister.

Lalit Gogoi, a senior journalist from Assam, weighed in on the issue, highlighting the importance of journalistic freedom and accountability. He expressed concern over Sarma's approach, suggesting that while journalists are not infallible, there are established democratic mechanisms for addressing inaccuracies or grievances, such as providing clarification, issuing denials, or pursuing defamation cases through legal channels.

Gogoi drew parallels between Sarma's actions and past instances of press censorship, referencing the emergency regime under Indira Gandhi.