The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) have strongly condemned the recent attack on journalist L. Kabichandra, a cameraperson with Impact TV News, who was shot while on duty. Kabichandra sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh during a firing incident at Thamnapokpi in Imphal East district on Saturday morning.

In a joint press release, APC President Dodum Yangfo and APUWJ President Amar Sangno expressed deep concern over the attack, calling it a direct assault on press freedom and journalist safety. “We are deeply disturbed by a viral video where an individual, reportedly from the Kuki community, claims responsibility for the shooting and issues further threats against media professionals,” the statement read.

The APC and APUWJ urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice, and implement measures to safeguard journalists. They also called on community leaders and civil society organizations to condemn violence against journalists and support efforts to create a safe working environment for the media.

“The APUWJ and APC stand in solidarity with our fellow journalists in Manipur and across the region. We remain committed to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of media personnel in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond,” the release added.