Guwahati: Bundles of Asomiya Pratidin, a leading Assamese daily, were allegedly set on fire in broad daylight in Sivasagar on Wednesday, triggering widespread condemnation from journalist bodies, political parties and civil society groups, who termed it an attack on press freedom.
Allegations have surfaced against individuals reportedly linked to supporters of BJP candidate Kushal Dowari in the Sivasagar Assembly constituency, raising concerns over the misuse of election campaigning as a cover for intimidation.
According to reports, two persons identified as Partha Pratim Bora and Pinku Dutta, allegedly set fire to the newspaper bundles. The accused are also alleged to have assaulted a Raijor Dal worker, further escalating tensions in the constituency during the ongoing poll campaign.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions across political and social groups, with many describing it as an attack on the “fourth pillar of democracy”. Media organisations warned that such actions undermine democratic values and threaten the independence of the press.
The Raijor Dal and several other organisations condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against those involved, asserting that violence and intimidation in the name of electioneering cannot be tolerated.
Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, in a social media post, described the act as condemnable and alarming, cautioning that targeting the media out of political hostility sets a dangerous precedent for democracy. He stressed that attempts to silence the press amount to an attack on democratic institutions and called for swift identification and punishment of those responsible. He also urged the Election Commission of India to take the matter seriously.
All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) president Utpal Sarma also criticised the incident, saying it reflected a disturbing erosion of democratic values. He said stopping a vehicle and burning large quantities of newspapers indicated an attempt to suppress the media, and demanded a prompt and impartial investigation along with strict action against those involved.
Meanwhile, Congress candidate from Dispur, Mira Borthakur Goswami, also reacted to the development, questioning the intent behind targeting a prominent and independent newspaper. She said the incident raises serious concerns and added that her campaign seeks to counter such “negative forces”.