GPC condemns Pijush Hazarika's alleged act of threatening scribe over news report

Guwahati, April 01: An audio clip where Minister and BJP candidate from Jagiroad constituency Pijush Hazarika is reportedly heard intimidating a television journalist over phone for airing a news report has gone viral in social media and the alleged behaviour of the Minister has been condemned by Gauhati Press Club (GPC) in a statement released on Thursday.

The Gauhati Press Club, while condemning the act of intimidation in the strongest words further said that it is 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.

GPC further urged Hazarika to approach the appropriate authorities for redressal instead of intimidating the journalist.

GPC, in their statement, demanded appropriate action against the Minister by the Election Commission after verifying the authenticity of the audio clip that had gone viral in social media.

The statement further added that the safety and security of the journalists concerned should also be ensured by the Election Commission and the State Government.