Controversy Erupts Over Journalist Arrests in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied the arrest of digital journalists, stating the state doesn't recognize them as official media personnel. The arrest of digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, over non-journalistic charges, has sparked debate on the recognition of online media practitioners.

In a recent press briefing, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma denied the arrest of any journalists by the state's police force. The CM clarified that the state's Directorate of Information and Public Relations does not formally recognize digital journalists as accredited media professionals.

Sarma addressed the arrest of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, a digital journalist, emphasizing that the state provides official recognition only to print and electronic media representatives. He argued that the charges against Mozumder were unrelated to his journalistic activities.

Mozumder, also an official of the Gauhati Press Club, was detained for an alleged criminal intimidation offense and was rearrested for an undisclosed case involving Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Limited. This arrest has triggered discussions about the status and recognition of digital journalists in Assam.

(With inputs from agencies.)