Journalist Attacked After Reaching Conflict Zone: Coincidence or Call?

A shocking incident involving the brutal assault of a television journalist in Dhemaji's Silapathar has sparked widespread outrage across Assam. The victim, Madhurjya Saikia, a reporter with a private satellite channel, was allegedly attacked by a group of miscreants while on duty in the Dimow area of Dhemaji district on Friday.

According to the journalist’s account, he had been covering the tense atmosphere surrounding the panchayat president elections in the Dimow block when the attack occurred. Saikia alleges that on reaching the area, he was identified and pointed out by the central president of the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), following which a group of around 30–35 individuals surrounded and assaulted him without any provocation.

The attackers reportedly struck him from behind, repeatedly beat him on his back, and snatched his iPhone during the assault. Saikia sustained multiple injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dibrugarh.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the journalist fraternity and civil society alike, prompting an outpouring of solidarity and demands for swift justice.

Local Outrage in Dhemaji

In Dhemaji, the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS) issued strong statements condemning the incident. The organizations demanded immediate arrest of those involved and called on the government to ensure safety and security for journalists working in conflict-prone zones.

“No journalist should have to fear for their life while performing their duty. We demand strict punishment for the culprits,” said representatives of the AJYCP and SMSS Dhemaji units.

TMPK Responds to Allegations

Meanwhile, a group associated with TMPK member Mintu Doley issued a statement denying any involvement in the assault. The group described the allegations circulating on social media as "fabricated and baseless."

“Reports suggesting that the journalist was attacked from TMPK’s public platform are entirely false. We urge responsible journalism and condemn any attempt to defame our organization without verified evidence,” the statement read.

The group also conveyed their wishes for the journalist’s speedy recovery and demanded a fair legal investigation into the incident.

Majuli Joins in Protest

In Majuli, the Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APCU) staged a black-badge protest condemning the recent assaults on journalists in Silapathar and Dhekiajuli. The protest was in response to the brutal attack on Prag News journalist Madhurjya Saikia in Silapathar and ND24 reporter Bimaljyoti Nath and his colleague in Dhekiajuli on June 29, after they covered alleged illegal mining activities.

Members of the APCU Majuli unit gathered at the district headquarters in Garamur, wearing black armbands and voicing strong condemnation of repeated attacks on working journalists across Assam. They demanded swift action against those responsible and called for the implementation of a dedicated law to safeguard the media fraternity.

Journalists Protest in Silchar

A similar wave of protest swept through Silchar, where members of the Cachar E-Media Journalists Association and Silchar Press Club organized a demonstration in front of the Press Club.

“This was not just an attack on a journalist—it was an attack on press freedom,” said Shankar Dey, Secretary of the Silchar Press Club.
“The state must introduce a strong legal framework to ensure the safety of working journalists,” added Bikram Sarkar, Secretary of Cachar E-Media Journalists Association.

The protestors demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for those responsible, cautioning that any further delay would embolden anti-press elements.

CM Reacts: "No Unity Among Journalists"

Reacting to the string of attacks, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the responsibility lies with the police to identify and arrest the guilty. Speaking to reporters in Baksa, the Chief Minister pointed to what he described as a troubling lack of unity within the journalistic community.

"If we take the Dhekiajuli incident, one section of people were attacked and another media group is protecting the attackers," Sarma said.
"There is no unity among you all. You have become like us – BJP, Congress, AGP, and UPPL. In fact, there is more unity among us," he added.

The Dhekiajuli incident occurred on June 29, when local TV journalist Bimal Jyoti Nath and his colleague were reportedly assaulted while returning from a field assignment related to illegal mining activities.

Growing Concerns Over Journalist Safety

The incident in Silapathar is not an isolated case. It comes amid growing concerns over the safety of media personnel in Assam, especially those reporting from politically sensitive or remote areas. Press bodies have long been demanding a dedicated law to protect journalists from physical violence, intimidation, and harassment.

With the police yet to make any arrests in connection with Friday’s attack, journalist unions and civil society organizations have warned of intensified protests if justice is delayed.

As investigations continue, the attack on Madhurjya Saikia has once again brought into sharp focus the risks faced by reporters in the line of duty and the urgent need for structural protections to safeguard press freedom in the state.

Also Read: Journalist Assaulted by Mob in Assam's Dhemaji; TMPK Link Alleged