Assam: Bokajan journalists boycott coverage after Independence Day entry denial

Journalists in Bokajan have strongly condemned the actions of the Bokajan Sub-Divisional Administration after media personnel were barred from entering the Independence Day celebration venue despite being formally invited by the local authorities. 

The incident, which occurred at the celebration ground, has drawn sharp criticism from the local press, who see it as a blatant attack on the freedom of the fourth pillar of democracy.

According to accounts from those present, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mridul Baruah and Bokajan Sub-Divisional Executive Magistrate Minakshi Borgohain were directly involved in preventing journalists from accessing the event. Reporters, photographers, and camera operators—who had been duly invited to cover the celebrations—were denied entry without any clear explanation, raising serious concerns over transparency and the administration’s approach to the media.

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The incident has sparked outrage within Bokajan’s press community, prompting an immediate and united response. In protest, the journalists have announced a complete boycott of all news coverage related to the Sub-Divisional Administration and the local police until the matter is resolved through meaningful dialogue.

Media representatives have demanded a formal apology from the officials involved and a written assurance that such actions will not be repeated in the future. They have stressed that the role of journalists is to inform the public and hold institutions accountable, and any obstruction in carrying out this duty undermines democratic values.

The boycott is expected to continue until the demands are met, potentially restricting public access to information about the functioning of local administrative and police bodies in Bokajan. The incident has also triggered discussions among journalist associations across the region about the need for stronger safeguards to protect press freedom at public events.