IPC, APUWJ submit memo to Chief Minister

Itanagar, Feb 23 (UNI) The Itanagar Press Club (IPC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) today urged Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu to award exemplary punishment to the person involved in attacking two mediapersons.

On February 18, two journalists Ms Rina Tongam and Ms Pinna K Muklom of Arunachal Times were allegedly attacked by a state government employee.

A case had been registered and the accused Sakter Mago was arrested and released on bail.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, both the organisations alleged that it was not an isolated case and the media fraternity and their workplaces had been subjected to frequent attacks and abuse by some people, who did not believe in the freedom of the press.

''Most of the cases are not pursued and addressed properly so as to administer justice to the aggrieved mediapersons, who perform their duties despite physical assault, humiliation and insult. Such incidents demoralise and discourage the Press,'' the memorandum stated.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) also condemned the incident and demanded stern action against the culprit.

While stating that the attack had raised security concerns and curtailed the mobility of working women, the APSCW called upon the administration to take strict action against the assaulter so as to deter other potential offenders of such crimes.

The commission further recommended the law-enforcing authorities to initiate a self-defence training programme for women in all the district headquarters.

UNI UPB DPM AE RAI1223