The recent arrest of Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, a journalist associated with a Guwahati-based digital news platform, has highlighted a pressing issue in Assam’s media landscape—the non-recognition of web portal journalists. Mozumder was detained while covering a protest against the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank, sparking outrage among press bodies and free speech advocates. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement that web journalists are not officially recognised in Assam has further fueled concerns about press freedom. This stance is outdated, particularly when digital media is a primary source of information for millions. The central government has already issued guidelines for recognising and regulating web portal journalists, and many states have implemented them. Assam’s reluctance to do so raises questions about its approach to media regulation and transparency.
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Digital journalism has transformed news consumption, often breaking stories faster and reaching wider audiences than traditional media. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) acknowledges this shift and accredits journalists from web-based platforms. Yet, Assam’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) restricts recognition to traditional media, denying web journalists access to official press briefings and legal protections. This exclusion weakens press freedom and puts digital reporters at risk. Mozumder’s arrest exemplifies these risks. Reports suggest he was taken into custody under questionable circumstances, despite simply performing his journalistic duty. Charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been met with scepticism, with many viewing his arrest as an attempt to suppress critical reporting. Such incidents create a chilling effect on press freedom.
Refusing to recognise web journalists not only undermines their credibility but also endangers independent reporting. Journalism is about investigating and holding power accountable, regardless of the medium used. Many leading investigations and in-depth analyses now emerge from digital platforms. Several states have adapted to this reality by updating accreditation policies, yet Assam lags behind. The argument that web journalists are not “real” journalists is flawed. The distinction between traditional and digital media is increasingly irrelevant in today’s information ecosystem. Web journalists deserve the same legal protections as print and television reporters. By failing to acknowledge them, the government effectively silences independent voices and limits access to diverse sources of news. Assam must take immediate steps to update its accreditation policies to include digital journalists.
The DIPR should work with press bodies to create an inclusive framework that upholds press freedom rather than restricting it. Recognising web journalists is not just about legitimacy—it ensures transparency, strengthens democratic institutions, and safeguards the public’s right to information. If Assam continues to resist modern journalistic standards, it risks falling behind in the evolving media landscape. Press freedom is fundamental to democracy, and outdated classifications should not be used to stifle critical reporting. The state must act now to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive press environment that serves the interests of all citizens.
