Doomdooma: Abhijit Khataniar, Vice President of the Doomdooma Press Club in Assam’s Tinsukia district, has strongly condemned the armed attack on Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor-in-chief of the Manipuri vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, on Thursday evening, describing it as a grave threat to press freedom and democratic values.
The statement came hours after the incident in which unidentified assailants intercepted Loyalakpa’s vehicle near Hatta War Cemetery in Imphal East district around 10 pm on Wednesday.
According to police, the attackers fired two rounds at the vehicle’s left window glass, then overpowered the editor and assaulted him with a hard object, causing injuries to his face and teeth. Loyalakpa, who is also president of the Manipur Hockey Association, received hospital treatment and has since been discharged.
In his detailed condemnation, Khataniar said:
“I strongly and unequivocally condemn the shocking and cowardly attack on Khoirom Loyalakpa, senior editor of the Manipuri vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, near Hatta Cemetery in Imphal.
The act of chasing his vehicle, firing gunshots, and brutally assaulting him at gunpoint is not only a direct attack on an individual but a grave assault on press freedom and democratic values.
Journalists serve as the voice of the people, and any attempt to silence them through intimidation, violence, or terror strikes at the very foundation of a free and civilised society.
Such brazen criminality cannot and must not be tolerated. I urge the authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators at the earliest, and ensure they are brought to justice. The safety and security of media professionals must be guaranteed so they can perform their duties without fear or coercion.
Violence against the press is an attack on truth itself. In standing with Khoirom Loyalakpa and the entire journalistic fraternity, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to uphold freedom of expression and the rule of law.”
Khataniar’s reaction highlights cross-border solidarity among media professionals in the Northeast, as the Doomdooma Press Club operates in Assam’s Tinsukia district, close to Manipur.
Police at Porompat station have registered a case and recovered two empty bullet casings from the scene. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains under investigation.
This incident follows a previous attack on Loyalakpa’s residence in July 2024, when unidentified gunmen fired multiple rounds shortly after his security cover was withdrawn. No injuries were reported in that case.
Media bodies and journalists across the region have expressed concern over the safety of reporters in Manipur amid persistent challenges.
Authorities have appealed for public assistance in identifying the perpetrators.