Friday called upon young journalists to continue asking questions despite challenges, asserting that it is their fundamental right. He was addressing a protest gathering of the media fraternity at the Gauhati Press Club in the wake of recent attacks on media institutions, particularly Asomiya Pratidin.
Saikia stressed the importance of standing with the people at all times. Criticising Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, he said that in his career he had seen five Chief Ministers but “never one who functions this way,” alleging that journalists are being targeted.
Calling for unity, he urged media house owners to take a strong and responsible stand, warning that a section of the media has compromised its integrity by aligning with political interests.
“I am not a neutral journalist. I always stand for the people. We will continue to question the government. When Congress was in power and I questioned it, I was called a BJP agent. Now when I question BJP, I am called a Congress agent,” he said.
Addressing concerns over his housing situation, Saikia clarified that he has been paying rent regularly for a government-allotted flat since 2012 and challenged authorities to prove otherwise.
Veteran journalist Haider Hussain also called for unity within the media, urging journalists to collectively resist forces acting against public interest and emphasising solidarity in the current climate.
Senior journalist Afrida Hussain shared experiences from her career, stating that she has never been afraid to ask questions as she is not a beneficiary of any government.
Another senior journalist, Munin Bayan, expressed concern over what he described as continuous attacks on the media, saying journalists are increasingly “anxious and worried.” He also criticised the reaction of the Chief Minister to tough questions, warning that treating accountability as confrontation threatens democracy.
Noted journalist Pankaj Nath criticised the current political environment, alleging attempts to divide “Bor Asom” and weaken Assamese identity. He asserted that a united media cannot be silenced and condemned the reported eviction notice issued to Saikia as vindictive.
