GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the state government does not officially recognise journalists working for web portals or YouTube channels as accredited media professionals. The remarks came in the context of the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, who works for a web portal, in Guwahati on Wednessday, March 26.
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Addressing a press conference, Sarma said that the government only recognises print and electronic media. “The government does not consider Dilwar Hussain as a journalist,” he said. “In Assam, only legacy media—print and television—are officially recognised.”
Sarma further elaborated that the Department of Information and Public Relations (DiPR) has never granted journalist status to any portal media personnel.
“We do not provide registration, advertisements, or identity cards to them. As of now, they do not qualify for our definition of journalists,” the chief minister added. “Neither have the web portals ever approached us for the same.” He indicated that the government would consult with the Guwahati Press Club to assess whether individuals from digital platforms should be considered journalists.
Regarding Mozumder's case, Sarma also noted that his professional identity remains unclear, as he is also engaged in business activities, including dealing in dumpers. Besides, he also held out a dare to the journalists saying if they vouched for him as a journalist he could be released "just now."