APC, APUWJ Condemn Assault Attempt on Reporter Investigating Sangram Highway Blockade, Demand Action

ITANAGAR, Jul 04: The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) have strongly condemned the alleged assault attempt on Nangram Kayang, a reporter for “The Spark News,” by Bengia Dongsu, the labour supervisor of Jainco Company (Package-7).
According to a formal complaint received by the apex media bodies from Topan Rimo, the chief executive officer of The Spark News, the incident occurred on July 2 at the Miba Village area when Kayang was investigating the prolonged blockade of the Sangram highway and the lack of response from the company.
An altercation ensued, during which the labour supervisor allegedly tried to assault the reporter and used derogatory language. Several people stranded on the highway witnessed the incident.
The APC and APUWJ in a joint statement, expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized that such occurrences are unacceptable as they hinder the free and fair functioning of the press, which is essential for a democratic society.
“Journalists play a crucial role in bringing important issues to light, and their safety must be a top priority. Any attempt to intimidate or harm them is an attack on the freedom of the press and democracy itself,” the media bodies of the state said in its statement.
The organizations have demanded immediate and strict action against the individual responsible for the assault attempt and a thorough investigation into the entire incident.