Shillong Press Club Condemns Arrest of Journalist Dilawar

The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has strongly condemned the arrest of senior Assam journalist Dilawar Hussain Mazumdar, issuing a statement denouncing the action. Mazumdar, the chief reporter of Crosscurrent Digital Media, was first arrested on the night of March 25. Although he was granted bail on March 26, he was rearrested on March 27 based on a complaint filed by the managing director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank. 

SPC President D L Syiemlieh stated that the rearrest of Mazumdar shortly after being granted bail is deeply concerning and represents a shocking misuse of legal processes. He emphasized that this action constitutes a direct assault on the freedom of the press and the fundamental right to free expression. Syiemlieh further noted that the arrest appears to be an attempt to intimidate journalists engaged in investigative reporting against the ruling political party, reflecting a broader nationwide trend to silence dissenting voices. 

According to Syiemlieh, in a democratic society, the media plays an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. Efforts to suppress this role through force and intimidation are unacceptable and must be firmly resisted. The Shillong Press Club has expressed unwavering solidarity with Mazumdar, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The organization has called on the authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect press freedom, and protect the rights and dignity of those associated with the media. They warned that such disturbing tactics must cease if the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are to be preserved.