Journalist Groups Condemn Religious Remarks by Assam CM

Journalist organizations in Assam have criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly targeting a journalist's religious identity during a media interaction. The incident occurred when a Muslim journalist questioned Sarma about hill-cutting. Various journalist unions condemned the CM's remarks and urged for respectful conduct in future interactions with the media.

Journalist organizations in Assam have raised serious concerns over Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's alleged attack on a journalist's religious identity during a media interaction.

The incident took place on Wednesday when a Muslim journalist queried Sarma about hill-cutting in his constituency. Sarma reportedly responded by linking the journalist to a Muslim university owner from Meghalaya, who he accused of causing artificial floods in Guwahati due to hill-cutting.

The Journalist Union of Assam (JUA) criticized Sarma for focusing on the journalist's religion instead of addressing the question. They labeled his response as unacceptable and urged the CM to refrain from such behavior in the future. The Gauhati Press Club (GPC) and the Assam Women Journalists' Forum (AWJF) also voiced their disapproval, calling for political leaders to show respect for the media's role and to avoid making disparaging comments about journalists.

(With inputs from agencies.)