New Delhi, 21 July 2020: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) condemns the attack on two journalists in separate incidents-- Rajiv Nayan Bahuguna in Uttarakhand by thugs on July 20 and BBC correspondent Dilnawaz Pasha in Uttar Pradesh subjected to abuse and detained for six hours by the Bahjoi police.

Bahuguna, a journalist associated with Nav Bharat Times, Dinman, Hindustan Hindi, Outlook and other national dailies and periodicals was attacked after receiving threatening messages from unknown people as he is known for criticising the RSS and the BJP. It is suspected that RSS was behind the attack. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the mastermind behind the attack. Pasha was abused by the police after going into the police station to gather information for a report. While asking questions about a case at the police station, the policemen confiscated his phone, detained him for six hours and allegedly mistreated him during his detention. It was only after he showed his identity card, did the police release him.

In a statement, IJU President and former Member Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General and IFJ Vice President Sabina Inderjit said, the attacks further smack of growing intolerance in the country and attempts to gag the media. The IJU fears that increasing attacks on media freedom and media rights in the country may endanger democracy and freedom of expression and press. It demanded that authorities launch an investigation into the attacks on and ensure police act in a responsible manner that prioritises the rights of citizens and journalists.