Guwahati, Apr 11 (PTI) Journalists in Guwahati on Saturday expressed concern over the “attacks on media” during the just-held assembly elections in the state, according to a statement.
At a protest meeting at the Gauhati Press Club, attended by around 150 journalists, it was decided that memorandums would be written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission over the matter, it said.
The journalists expressed concern over instances like Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stating he will “politically and intellectually” finish off two media groups if he returns to power, and the attack at the North Lakhimpur office of the Assamese daily ‘Asomiya Pratidin’ on Thursday night, hours after polling for the assembly elections had ended, the statement said.
The journalists who joined the meeting claimed that a “systematic attack” was being carried out on the press, affecting its freedom, it added.
They also advocated for an independent media commission, comprising retired judges, lawyers and civil society members, to address security and freedom of press concerns, the statement said.
Three resolutions were adopted at the meeting, including convening a citizens’ meeting, it said.
The Gauhati Press Club also appealed to other press clubs to stage protests over the recent incidents and resolved to submit a memorandum to the president, the PM, the Press Council of India, the EC, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the state’s chief secretary and DGP regarding the attacks on media.
Polling for the 126-member assembly was held on April 9, and the votes will be counted on May 4. PTI SSG SSG SOM
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