The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of Assam-based journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder in Guwahati. Mozumder, who was carrying out his journalistic duties, was detained by Assam police after attempting to question Dambaru Saikia, the managing director of the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank, over allegations of a recruitment scam.
The arrest occurred during a public protest organized by the Jatiya Yuva Sakti, the youth wing of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), and has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom and the ability of journalists to hold powerful individuals accountable. The APUWJ expressed deep distress, stating, “That a journalist was detained merely for seeking answers from a public official on a matter of public interest is unacceptable in a democratic society.”
APUWJ President Amar Sangno also criticized the act, highlighting the broader implications for media independence: “Such actions not only intimidate the press but also undermine public trust in institutions that are supposed to uphold transparency and accountability. We see this as an attempt to muzzle independent journalism and discourage journalists from performing their essential role of informing the public.”
In response, the APUWJ has reiterated its support for Mozumder, urging authorities to respect the constitutional rights granted to journalists. The organization further called for a united stance from journalist bodies across the Northeast and the country to push back against such actions and continue advocating for a media environment free from fear and suppression.
