Journalists in Manipur on Friday strongly condemned the brutal attack on senior journalist Khoiram Loyalakpa, Editor-in-Chief of the vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, and staged a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West district.

The protest was jointly organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM).

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest, AMWJU Vice President Sonia Sorensangbam termed the brazen attack on a media person as highly unfortunate and described it as a direct assault on press freedom. She asserted that such incidents must not be allowed to recur in the future.

She further informed that the journalist fraternity would submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister later in the day, demanding that the perpetrators be identified and punished.

She also urged the concerned authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest.

According to reports, unidentified armed assailants opened fire at Loyalakpa’s vehicle before physically assaulting him late on the night of February 18 in Imphal East district.

The incident occurred around 10 pm near Hatta War Cemetery under the jurisdiction of Porompat Police Station. Sources said a car suspected to be a Maruti Swift had been trailing Loyalakpa’s vehicle before intercepting it on the road.