Newspaper bundles torched in Assam's Sivasagar, media bodies condemn ‘attack on press’ amid poll heat

Bundles of a leading Assamese daily were allegedly set ablaze in broad daylight by miscreants in Sivasagar, triggering strong condemnation from journalist bodies and civil society groups, who termed it a direct assault on the freedom of the press.

Serious 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 political campaigning to justify violence and intimidation.

According to reports, two individuals, identified as Partha Pratim Bora and Pinku Dutta, allegedly set fire to bundles of newspapers belonging to a leading Assamese daily in broad daylight. The act, widely condemned as an attack on press freedom, has sparked sharp reactions across political and civil society circles.

The accused are also alleged to have assaulted a worker of the Raijor Dal, further escalating tensions in the constituency. The incident reportedly occurred under the guise of election campaigning, intensifying fears over deteriorating political decorum during the ongoing poll season.

The burning of newspapers has particularly drawn strong criticism, with several organisations terming it a direct assault 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, has reacted strongly, condemning the incident and demanding immediate and stringent action against those involved. Party representatives asserted that violence and hooliganism in the name of electioneering would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Calls for accountability have grown louder, with demands for a thorough investigation and strict legal action against the alleged perpetrators, who are accused of misusing political affiliations to carry out unlawful activities