Guwahati: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) strongly condemns the violent attacks on journalists covering the recent unrest in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, during protests that erupted on January 16–17, 2026 following the death of a migrant worker.
Reporters and media personnel, including a woman journalist and her cameraman, were brutally assaulted by a mob while performing their professional duties on the ground. Subsequent days of unrest saw further attacks on journalists who were covering stone-pelting, highway blockades and clashes between protesters and authorities. �Committee to Protect Journalists +1 IJU notes with dismay that such attacks occurred in full view of security forces, resulting in injuries and intimidation of media workers whose job is to report events of public interest. This is a grave violation of press freedom and the safety of journalists in a democratic society. � Committee to Protect Journalists While we acknowledge that leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) publicly denounced these assaults on journalists, it is equally important to highlight a disturbing pattern: political actors and party supporters from both sides have, at times, undermined press freedom by disparaging or threatening journalists when reporting news that they find politically inconvenient or uncomfortable. Such double standards endanger journalists and erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Geetartha Pathak, President of IJU and former Member of the Press Council of India, said.“Physical attacks, intimidation and threats against journalists are unacceptable in any part of India. Political condemnation without tangible protection is insufficient. Journalists must be able to work without fear of assault or retaliation, especially during crucial democratic processes such as state elections.” Vinod Kohli, Secretary-General of IJU, stated: “The IJU demands that the Government of West Bengal take immediate and concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists. This includes swift nvestigation and prosecution of those responsible for these attacks, adequate police protection during volatile situations, and clear directives to law enforcement to safeguard press personnel.” The IJU also calls on the Government of India and all State Governments, including those ruled by the BJP, to uphold press freedom and ensure the protection of journalists across the country. Rampant reports of violations, intimidation and physical attacks on journalists — irrespective of political affiliation — threaten democratic discourse and must be addressed as a matter of priority. The run-up to any democratic election should be marked by open reporting and free exchange of information — not by violence against those who strive to inform the public. Journalists must be protected as essential defenders of democracy.
