by Jag Mohan Thaken

UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, on April 8, 2026, while condemning the killing of journalist Juan David Gámez in Mexico, said, “I condemn the killing of Juan David Gámez and call for a thorough investigation into his death. Violence against journalists is not only an affront to freedom of expression and media freedom, but also deprives the population of their fundamental right to information. Perpetrators of this crime must be pursued and brought to justice.”

Despite the constitutional right to expression and freedom of speech, the voice or the pen raising issues and asking questions against the system, power, and politicians always get a rebuking hit everywhere, and India is no exception. Especially, during an election when a notable political leader smells the dirt of his defeat, he becomes so furious that he doesn’t even behave like a normal person. As per media reports, the journalists cited several incidents, at a protest meeting held at the Gauhati Press Club, attended by around 150 media professionals, that raised concern, including remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who reportedly said he would “politically and intellectually” finish off two media groups if re-elected. They also referred to an alleged attack on the North Lakhimpur office of Assamese daily Asomiya Pratidin, which took place hours after polling concluded on April 9. The journalists alleged that such incidents indicate a “systematic attack” on the press, undermining its independence and functioning.

JOURNALIST’S LEADERS AT GAUHATI PRESS CLUB MEETING -PHOTO CREDIT DURBA GHOSH.

This alleged attack on the media has attracted national criticism. The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has expressed its strongest condemnation of the recent spate of attacks on media institutions and journalists in Assam during and after the election campaign period. Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly was held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. The IJU has stated, “The alleged targeting of the office of Asomiya Pratidin and the growing pattern of hostility against journalists represent a deeply disturbing trend that strikes at the very foundation of democratic values.”

IJU PRESIDENT- VINOD KOHLI – PHOTO CRDIT KOHLI.

In a statement, IJU President Geetartha Pathak stated that such acts of intimidation are “not isolated incidents but part of a larger and dangerous pattern aimed at silencing independent journalism.” He said that when journalists are attacked for their work, it is not merely an assault on individuals or institutions, but an attack on the people’s right to know.

“The Union also expresses grave concern over the increasingly hostile posture adopted by sections of the ruling establishment in Assam, including senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The conduct and public statements of ministers, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have contributed to an environment where journalists are subjected to intimidation, vilification, and coercive actions for critical reporting,” adds the statement.

Geetartha Pathak further stated, “Particularly alarming is the vindictive action against senior journalist Nitumoni Saikia, who has been served with an arbitrary eviction notice by the Assam State Housing Board. The IJU views this as a clear attempt to target and harass a journalist for her professional work. Reports of similar pressures being exerted on other journalists further reinforce concerns about the shrinking space for independent media in the state.”

IJU Secretary General Vinod Kohli stated, “The systematic targeting of journalists through physical attacks, administrative harassment, and political intimidation is unacceptable in a democratic society. Such actions undermine the credibility of democratic institutions and erode public trust.”

The IJU has called upon the Government of Assam to: Ensure immediate and impartial investigation into the attack on media establishments and journalists; Withdraw all arbitrary and vindictive actions against journalists, including the eviction notice served to Nitumoni Saikia; Take concrete steps to guarantee the safety and security of journalists across the state.

The IJU statement asserts, “The Union firmly urges the ruling party leaders to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press and to demonstrate tolerance towards dissenting voices. A vibrant, independent, and fearless media is indispensable for the smooth and balanced functioning of a democracy.”

The Indian Journalists Union states that it stands in solidarity with the Journalists’ Union of Assam, Guwshati Press Club, and the journalists of the state and reiterates its commitment to defend press freedom and democratic rights across the country.

From time to time, UNESCO has also been raising concern over such incidents and suggesting some steps under the UN Plan of Action. UNESCO, on its web portal under the research head, states that “Effective and substantial change on issues related to the safety of journalists needs to be investigated in depth to identify concrete solutions and proposals. The current digital era in particular creates new opportunities for media workers but also challenges journalism by introducing new dangers for media professionals, especially women journalists.”

Web adds, “Women journalists are victims of new forms of attacks and defamation, such as online harassment, cyberstalking, rape threats, trolling, or hacking. These aggressions are often more vicious and involve sexual or sexist language.”

What steps is UNESCO taking? “On these issues and more, the UN Plan of Action commits to the area of academic research. For instance, UNESCO has been organizing, since 2016, an annual academic conference on the safety of journalists, to actively promote further research in this area.”

But despite the vigilant steps taken by the world-level institution, ‘Why are the journalists facing such victimizing situations?’- is the question that needs to be answered.