The audio clip wherein Minister and BJP candidate from Jagiroad constituency Pijush Hazarika is, reportedly, heard intimidating a television journalist over phone for airing a news report is highly condemnable and cannot be condoned at any cost, said a statement issued by the Gauhati Press Club.
The Press Club, while condemning the act of intimidation in the strongest words is further of the opinion that it is very unbecoming of a public representative to threaten a journalist of dire consequences, no matter what. At a time when the protection of journalists has become a cause of concern, such an uncalled-for attitude by a public representative comes as a shocker.
“If he had any complaint related to the content or authenticity of any news report, he could have approached the appropriate authorities for redressal. Such a ‘power-drunk’ attitude on the part of Mr Hazarika has taken politicking to a new low and appropriate action should be taken against the Minister by the Election Commission after verifying the authenticity of the audio clip that had gone viral in the social media”, added the statement
Press Club President Manoj Kumar Nath and General Secretary Sanjoy Rai further added, “ We also demand that the safety and security of the journalists concerned should also be ensured by the Election Commission and the State Government.”
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