NHRC steps in over attacks on Tripura, Manipur & Kerala journos
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting separate attacks on journalists in Tripura, Kerala, and Manipur, and has sought detailed responses from the concerned state authorities.
According to reports, the assaults occurred on August 30 in Kerala and Manipur, and on September 21 in Tripura. Expressing deep concern over the incidents, the NHRC has issued notices to the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all three states, directing them to submit comprehensive reports within two weeks.
In Tripura, journalist Kamal Kanti Tripura was reportedly attacked by a group of miscreants wielding sticks and sharp weapons while covering a clothes distribution event organised by a political party in the Hezamara area of West Tripura district. The attackers also made away with his motorcycle.
Local media outlets reported that the event, organised by the ruling BJP, was violently disrupted by unidentified assailants who injured several people, including the journalist. Party workers alleged that the assault was orchestrated by miscreants backed by the Tipra Motha party in an attempt to sabotage the programme, which was to be attended by MP Biplab Kumar Deb. The attack took place just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the Mata Tripureswari Temple.
In another incident in Manipur, a journalist covering a flower festival in Laii village under Senapati district was reportedly shot twice with an air gun and sustained serious injuries.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, a journalist returning from a wedding ceremony was assaulted near Mangattukavala in Thodupuzha by a group of unidentified individuals.
In all three cases, the victims were admitted to hospitals for treatment, and police registered First Information Reports (FIRs) to initiate investigations.
Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the NHRC is an autonomous statutory body mandated to protect and promote the fundamental rights of individuals relating to life, liberty, equality, and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution and international conventions. The Commission also holds the authority to initiate suo motu proceedings on the basis of media reports or information from other credible sources, even in the absence of a formal complaint. (With inputs from PIB)
