Assam journalist brutally attacked while reporting: Pattern of violence against press deepens under BJP rule

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 5, 2025

In yet another alarming incident targeting the press, Madhurjya Saikia, a journalist with Prag News, was viciously attacked on July 2 while covering a political clash in Silapathar, Dhemaji district. Saikia was reporting on a heated altercation between workers and leaders of the BJP and Gana Shakti—coalition allies—over the selection of the president of the Demow Anchalik Panchayat.

As tensions escalated, both factions pushed for their respective candidates, leading to chaos. Saikia, who was filming the confrontation, was reportedly singled out and assaulted by party-backed goons, including individuals allegedly linked to the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK).

Saikia sustained injuries and is currently under medical care. Despite a formal FIR (Case No. 146/2025) filed with the Silapathar Police, no arrests have been made four days since the incident.

The All Assam Mising Students Union (AAMSU) strongly condemned the attack. President Tilak Doley accused the BJP-led state government of enabling a climate where journalists are targeted with impunity. He directly named Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and BJP MLA Bhuban Pegu for shielding the perpetrators.

“This isn’t just about one journalist—it’s about silencing the truth,” Doley said. “The BJP’s silence and inaction make them complicit,” Doley said.

The Assam Congress echoed these concerns, calling the assault part of a wider crackdown on press freedom. “The press will not be silenced. The truth will prevail—no matter how many goons the BJP sends,” the party stated, demanding swift arrests and public condemnation from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Chief Minister Sarma made a cryptic and deflective remark, blaming divisions among journalists rather than condemning the attackers. “Journalists themselves are protecting those who attack other journalists,” he said, referencing a separate incident involving Dilip Nath’s son. He criticized the lack of unity in the press, likening their condition to that of political parties.

This is not an isolated case. Just days ago, ND24 journalist Bimaljyoti Nath was similarly attacked. Over the past few years, journalists in Assam have faced repeated hostility:

On March 25, 2025, Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar, a reporter for The Cross Current and assistant general secretary of Guwahati Press Club, was detained while covering a protest outside the Assam State Cooperative Apex Bank. He was held without clear charges after questioning the bank’s MD on alleged financial irregularities.

On August 21, 2024, a digital journalist faced communal remarks from CM Sarma after asking about illegal hill-cutting near Mandakata. Sarma accused Shah Alam and others of engaging in “flood jihad” and questioned whether Hindus would survive demographic changes—sparking widespread condemnation.

On September 11, 2024, scribe Hemanta Sarma was asked to leave a press conference by the CM, then detained and had his vehicle seized.

On February 7, 2022, journalist Jayanta Debnath was beaten by two police constables in Basugaon after pointing out that they weren’t wearing helmets.

On March 13, 2022, NBTV reporter Nizamuddin lost his job after questioning the Chief Minister on CAA rule-making.

These repeated incidents point to a dangerous erosion of press freedom in Assam. Critics say the ruling BJP has allowed and even encouraged hostility toward journalists—whether through direct attacks, police intimidation, or public vilification.

The Guwahati Press Club, voicing deep concern over the repeated attacks on journalists, has called on the state government to enact a dedicated law to ensure their safety and protection in Assam.