National Human Rights Commission: The NHRC has issued a notice to the Directors General of Police, Assam and Mizoram calling for a detailed report on the alleged physical assault and lathi charge on journalists by the Assam police at Zophai Bairabi area in Kolasib district of Mizoram near Assam border, while they were on a reporting assignment on the 8th March, 2018 and the 10 March, 2018. The officers have been given four weeks to respond. The Commission has issued these directions after taking cognizance of a complaint.
Allegedly, the victim journalists had gone to Zophai to prepare a ground report as there was tension between Mizo Zirlai Pawl, a student organization of Mizoram and the Assam police, which escalated due to lathi charge by the Assam police on the journalists. The police also fired gun shots during the action.
It is also mentioned in the complaint that the journalists were displaying their press identity cards to the police personnel but they were not spared and were beaten black and blue. Many of the journalists, including women, have sustained serious injuries. It is further stated that the Mizoram Journalists’ Association had called a General Body Meeting at Aizawl Press Club Conference Hall on the 12th March, 2018 to express their plight. They also organized a sit-in demonstration on the 13th March, 2018.
National Human Rights Commission