Bundles of a leading Assamese daily newspaper were allegedly set on fire in broad daylight by miscreants in Sivasagar, prompting strong condemnation from journalist bodies and civil society groups, who described the act as a direct attack on press freedom.
Serious allegations have emerged against individuals reportedly associated with supporters of BJP candidate Kushal Dowari in the Sivasagar Assembly constituency, raising concerns about the misuse of political campaigning to justify violence and intimidation.
According to reports, two individuals identified as Partha Pratim Bora and Pinku Dutta allegedly burned bundles of newspapers belonging to a leading Assamese daily in broad daylight. The incident, widely criticised as an assault on press freedom, has triggered sharp reactions from political and civil society circles.
The accused are also alleged to have assaulted a Raijor Dal worker, further escalating tensions in the constituency. The incident reportedly took place under the pretext of election campaigning, heightening concerns over declining political decorum during the ongoing poll season.
The burning of newspapers has drawn widespread criticism, with several organisations calling it a direct attack on the “fourth pillar of democracy.” Media bodies and political groups have warned that such actions undermine democratic values and threaten the independence of the press.
The Raijor Dal, along with other organisations, strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate and strict action against those responsible. Party representatives stated that violence and hooliganism in the name of elections cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Demands for accountability have intensified, with calls for a thorough investigation and strict legal action against the alleged perpetrators, who are accused of misusing political affiliations to carry out unlawful acts.
