NHRC notices to DGPs of Assam, Mizoram

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) has issued  notices to the Directors General of Police, Assam and Mizoram calling for a detailed report on the alleged physical assault and lathicharge on journalists by Assam police at Zophai Bairabi area in Kolasib district of Mizoram near Assam border when they were on a reporting assignment on March 8 and March 10, 2018.

The officers have been given four weeks to respond. The commission issued these directions after taking cognizance of a complaint, according to an NHRC release.

The victim journalists had reportedly gone to Zophai to prepare a ground report as there was tension between Mizo Zirlai Pawl, a student organization of Mizoram, and Assam police, which escalated due to lathicharge by Assam police on the journalists. Police allegedly also fired gunshots during the action.

It is also mentioned in the complaint that the journalists were displaying their press identity cards to police personnel but were not spared and allegedly beaten black and blue. Many of the journalists including women sustained serious injuries.

The Mizoram Journalists’ Association had called a General Body Meeting at Aizawl Press Club Conference Hall on March 12, 2018, to express their plight. They also organized a sit-in demonstration on March 13, 2018.