The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is saddened and angered at news of the brutal death of Asomiya Pratidin correspondent and Morajhar Press Club president Md Muslimuddin on April 1.
According to the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU), an IFJ affiliate, Muslimuddin was attacked about 10pm while returning home on a bicycle near in Jagirod in India’s north-eastern state of Assam. An unidentified armed group beat him with sharp weapons. Muslimuddin died on the way to Guwahati Medical Hospital.
IFJ is concerned about a rise in violent incidents against journalists in Assam after the chairman and managing director of NETV, Manoranjana Sinh, was attacked on February 10. Her car was fired upon by people in a passing vehicle.
“The murder of a well-known journalist in the region is distressing news and IFJ extends its condolences to Muslimuddin’s family, friends and colleagues,†said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park. “Attacks of this kind are completely unacceptable and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.â€
IFJ joined IJU in calling on local authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the possible motives for the attack, including whether there were links with his professional work.
