ITANAGAR, Sep 25: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and the Arunachal Press Club (APC) have strongly condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of a video journalist by volunteers participating in the ANSU-called 12-hour Capital bandh at Nirjuli on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by Capital News, its video journalist Joram Domin was allegedly stopped while covering the bandh at Bage Tinali, Nirjuli, and prevented from carrying out his professional duties. His mobile phone and motorcycle were allegedly seized, and he was reportedly subjected to prolonged harassment and intimidation for nearly three hours.
The media bodies said the journalist was allegedly confronted over his identity as a media professional and was asked to record and release an apology video on the news page. As his mobile phone had reportedly been seized, he was unable to contact the Capital News office or seek immediate assistance.
The statement further said that Thiem Lhouvum, Managing Head of Capital Digital Cable Network, Itanagar, subsequently reached the spot to intervene and de-escalate the situation. She allegedly had to confront a group of around 20 to 30 volunteers during the intervention, putting her own safety at risk.
The APUWJ and APC have sought a clarification from the All Nyishi Students Union (ANSU) leadership and urged it to take responsibility for the conduct of its volunteers and ensure accountability, if the allegations are established.
The two apex media bodies said seizure of journalists’ equipment, obstruction of professional duties and coercion to record or publish an apology were serious matters that could undermine press freedom and the safety of media personnel.
The APC and APUWJ condemned the incident and asserted that journalists must carry out their duties freely, without fear or intimidation, regardless of circumstances.
“Incidents like this should not set a precedent. Any attempt to silence journalists during legitimate work raises serious concerns,” APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo and APC president Amar Sangno said in a joint statement.
The organisations extended their support to Capital News and the affected journalist and called for an environment in which journalists can discharge their professional duties without fear or intimidation.