Jayanta Malla Baruah's Attack on Press Stirs Political and Media Storm

A group of journalists staged a protest in front of the Guwahati Press Club condemning Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah’s derogatory remarks against members of the press.

Speaking to the media, journalists said, “Jayanta Malla Baruah is a politician, and he’s free to do politics in his domain. We have no objection to that. But he has no right to insult any journalist or make such demeaning comments.”

One protester added, “Until he publicly apologises, I urge all fellow journalists to refrain from taking his bytes or covering his press conferences as a mark of protest.”

The protest reflects growing outrage within Assam’s journalistic community over what they describe as an attack on press freedom and dignity.

APKU Slams Jayanta Malla’s “Low-Class” Remark as Attack on Press

The Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APKU) issued a strong condemnation of Minister Baruah’s remarks, accusing him of humiliating a journalist by calling them “illiterate” and of “low class.”

In a statement, the union called the comments an attack on the entire media fraternity and urged the minister to issue an immediate public apology.

“Such language not only undermines the role of journalists but also sets a dangerous precedent in a democratic society,” the union said.

Black Badge Protest by Chamaguri Journalists

Journalists in Chamaguri held a symbolic black badge protest to denounce Baruah’s remarks. Holding placards and wearing black armbands, they condemned what they described as an insult to the profession. “We will not tolerate such disrespect. The minister must apologise unconditionally,” one journalist said. Their protest adds to the intensifying statewide backlash against Baruah’s comments.

AAJU Labels Minister’s Remarks “Disgraceful”

The  All Assam Journalists’ Union, AAJU, strongly criticised Minister Baruah for his behaviour during a press conference he had himself called.

Calling the remarks “unfortunate and disgraceful,” AAJU said such conduct is unacceptable, especially from a public representative. The organisation urged the minister to uphold the dignity of his office and the media.

CPIM MLA: “Baruah Has Forgotten Basic Decency”

CPIM MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also criticised the minister, stating: “Jayanta Malla Baruah seems to have lost his sense of how a decent person should behave. Just because he holds power doesn’t give him the right to insult or attack people personally.”

He added that Baruah’s remarks suggest “a lack of self-control and responsibility,” and that such behaviour is not expected of a mentally stable and mature public servant.

Dilip Saikia Issues Cautionary Message to Baruah

Senior BJP leader Dilip Saikia issued a diplomatically worded message aimed at Baruah, advising him to adopt a more respectful tone while dealing with the media.

“Even if you don’t always like what the media reports, you must respect their role. Public representatives must be able to handle criticism,” Saikia said.

He urged Baruah to be more composed in his future interactions with the press, emphasising that journalists are doing their duty by reporting both praise and criticism.

Also Read: Jayanta Malla's Words Misread, Meant Age Not Class: Pijush Hazarika