Assam Elections 2026: Guwahati journalists flag 'attacks on media' during polls
Guwahati: Allegations of “attacks on the media” during the recently held Assam Assembly elections have triggered alarm among journalists in Guwahati, who said the incidents point to growing pressure on press freedom in the state.
Around 150 media professionals gathered at a protest meeting at the Guwahati Press Club, where it was decided to take the matter forward to senior national authorities. They plan to send formal memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Election Commission of India.
During the discussion, journalists referred to several incidents that they said were troubling. One of them included alleged remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he reportedly warned that he would target two media organisations in both political and ideological terms if voted back to power.
They also mentioned an alleged attack on the North Lakhimpur office of the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin, which reportedly happened soon after polling ended on April 9.
Participants said these incidents suggest a growing pattern of pressure on the media, which they believe is affecting its independence and ability to function freely. They stressed that protecting press freedom is especially important during elections.
The meeting also put forward a demand for setting up an independent commission on media issues. The proposed body would include retired judges, legal experts, and civil society members to address concerns related to press safety and freedom.
Several decisions were taken at the meeting, including plans to organise a larger public gathering to raise awareness. The Guwahati Press Club also called on press clubs across Assam to hold similar programmes and jointly push for action from authorities.
The issue is also likely to be taken up through memorandums addressed to the Press Council of India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police.