The government’s refusal to recognize digital media portals, stating that the central government has already granted recognition to digital journalism.
Digital Desk: Today, at a press conference, Ripun Bora served as former APCC president, issued a statement, during which he issued a stern criticism against the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mazumdar while also denouncing the Assam government's action.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC ) has expressed strong disapproval of the incident, calling it an attack on press freedom and independence. Bora accused the Chief Minister that at first he kept silent about the issue until it gained national attention, attempting to divert the narrative.
Moreover, he criticized the government’s refusal to recognize digital media portals because the central authorities have issued notification approvals for digital journalism. The lack of awareness about the digital media role in modern journalism by the Chief Minister constitutes a shameful situation according to Bora.
"Just possessing an I-card does not define a journalist," Bora remarked, adding that no law restricts journalists from engaging in other businesses like vehicle ownership. He further questioned whether journalists are expected to engage in criminal activities to survive.
According to Bora, the Chief Minister disrespected digital journalists, which represents an offensive act, a direct attack on the fourth pillar of democracy. He demanded an answer from the CM, that if he refuses to recognize portal journalists, than how can he operate a portal like TIME8 without any restrictions. He needs to provide an explanation about this policy.
The writer described the government's strategy as an undeclared emergency since it aimed to silence journalists' constitutional freedom.
He termed the government’s actions as a sign of an undeclared emergency, aiming to suppress journalists’ constitutional rights.
