Gauhati Press Club slams political intimidation of journalists over tough questions

In a statement, it said, "The Gauhati Press Club expressd its outrage at the recurring incidents of journalists facing backlash from politicians when faced with uncomfortable questions. From MPs, MLAs to ministers and other office bearers of different parties, we have seen an alarming trend of targeting the journalist who poses a question that puts them in a difficult position."

"The Gauhati Press Club had earlier also raised concern over the matter and urged the political leaders to refrain from such undignified behaviour. A person has the right to not answer posed by a journalist, but they cannot question the credibility of the scribe or their media house and hurl insults.

If political leaders are not ready to face questions, they should refrain from inviting media persons for press conferences and merely issue their one-sided statements. Such behaviour will not dissuade the journalists from discharging their duties responsibly and the voice of a free press cannot be stifled." It added.

it said, we once again reiterate our demand that politicians and others refrain from targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions as such behaviour is against the spirit of a democratic nation.

Endorsing the statement of the Gauhati Press Club, the Press Club of India wrote in a post on X that, "Targeting journalists for merely asking uncomfortable questions has become a routine phenomenon for politicians and others who are in power and accountable to the people. Such behaviour is against the spirit of a democratic nation. We endorse the Gauhati Press Club statement and urging the political leaders to refrain from such undignified behaviour"