Silchar: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has strongly condemned the recent assault on former Karimganj Municipal Chairman Sukhendu Bikash Paul and journalist Rahul Chakraborty, demanding immediate and stringent action against those responsible. The organisation also expressed concern over the growing incidents of attacks on journalists in the Barak Valley and urged the police administration to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, BDF Chief Convener Pradip Dutta Roy described the attack as a serious threat to a healthy and democratic society. He said Sukhendu Bikash Paul is a well-known political leader and social worker in Karimganj, while Rahul Chakraborty is a dedicated journalist who has served the profession for many years. He added that such a brutal attack on two respected public figures cannot be ignored.

Referring to reports that the accused were released within 24 hours of their arrest, Dutta Roy termed the development either an administrative failure or an act of deliberate negligence. He said the police administration must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure exemplary punishment for the culprits.

Warning against any attempt to suppress the matter, Dutta Roy said that if the administration believes the incident can be brushed aside, it is mistaken. He asserted that protests would be organised across the Barak Valley against the assault on a social worker and a journalist, and called upon the authorities to act promptly, transparently and without bias.

The BDF leader also voiced concern over the increasing number of attacks on journalists in the Barak Valley. He said that at a time when the neutrality of the media is already under scrutiny, attacks on journalists who continue to report impartially are deeply worrying. He appealed to all conscientious citizens of the valley to stand united against such incidents and demand strict punishment for those involved, stressing that safeguarding independent and unbiased journalism is vital for a healthy democracy.

The statement was issued by BDF Media Cell Convener Jaydeep Bhattacharya.