The Dimapur Press Club (DPC) has expressed deep concern over the rising instances of threats and harassment faced by journalists in Nagaland, warning that such attempts to muzzle the media strike at the very foundation of democracy.

In a strongly worded statement, the DPC described the Press as the “Fourth Estate” and a vital watchdog on behalf of the people. “Any attempt to weaken it is an attack on a core pillar of our democracy. We must never normalise these attempts to silence and weaken the press. It demands solidarity from every corner of society to defend this indispensable institution,” the statement read.

The Club noted with concern that the recent verbal assault on a journalist, — widely reported across platforms — is not an isolated incident. Instead, it reflects a “disturbing and continuous pattern” where politicians, elected representatives, and extra-constitutional entities in Nagaland have repeatedly threatened and abused media professionals in the course of their duties.

Calling for an immediate end to this culture of intimidation and hostility, the DPC stressed that a collective effort is necessary to create a safer and healthier environment where “a Free Press can function without fear of reprisal for doing its job”.

The DPC also urged journalists in Nagaland to reaffirm their commitment to the core values of professional integrity, emphasizing that credibility remains journalism’s strongest asset. This credibility, it stated, is built on the principles of verification, fairness, balanced presentation, and the transparent correction of errors.

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“Objectivity and commitment to factual reporting distinguish journalism from propaganda,” the statement underlined, adding that ethical journalism becomes all the more crucial in times when both state and non-state actors are increasingly undermining press freedom. “The medium and form may vary but the essential framework for maintaining fairness, objectivity, and public trust transcends all,” it added.

The Press Club further reminded media professionals to guard against becoming pawns in political intrigues or serving the agenda of powerful interests, inadvertently or otherwise. “Journalism must act as an independent monitor of power, not becoming vessels for the powers that be to draw political mileage from,” it cautioned.