AMWJU decries
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 16 2012:
The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors have vehemently condemned the attack on Tongam Rina, (34) of the Arunachal Times yesterday when she was entering her office in Arunachal Pradesh.
Journalist Tongam Rina,an associate editor with the Arunachal Times, is also the president of Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists.
A meeting of AMWJU and Editors held today at the Manipur Press Club, here said that the attack was uncalled for and a challenge to the freedom of press, a statement issued by the general secretary of AMWJU said.
The incident of a journalist being shot at right in front of his/her office shows the deteriorating law and order situation of the State, the journalists felt while urging the Arunachal Pradesh Government to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.
The meeting also wished her a speedy recovery.
It may be mentioned that Tongam Rina was shot from close range yesterday around 6pm while she was entering her office.
"Her backbone and intestines were affected by the bullet.
There was profuse internal bleeding.
However, she is now out of danger," Director of Health Services Kartik Nishing said.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki visited the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital where she is undergoing an operation.
Condemning the attack, he extended all possible help for Rina and said that she would be shifted to Guwahati if necessary.
The chief minister has also convened a high-level security meeting.
Security has been intensified and all forces have been alerted.
Checkposts have been installed at all vulnerable points in the capital complex to catch the culprits, police said.
Arunachal Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists have condemned the attack and decided to keep half-page of the newspapers blank tomorrow as a mark of protest, sources said.