The NHRC has sought detailed reports from Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura police after taking suo motu cognisance of separate violent attacks against journalists. The Commission’s move highlights growing concern over press freedom and journalists’ safety in India.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of three disturbing incidents involving violent attacks on journalists in Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura. The apex human rights body has issued formal notices to the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of the respective states, seeking comprehensive reports on the assaults within two weeks.
According to media reports, the incidents occurred on August 30 in Kerala and Manipur, and on September 21 in Tripura. Each case involved serious physical attacks on journalists while they were performing their professional duties or attending public events, drawing national concern over the deteriorating safety conditions for members of the press.
Tripura Incident: Journalist Attacked by Armed Miscreants
In Tripura, a journalist was brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants armed with sticks and sharp weapons. The attack took place in the Hezamara area of West Tripura district, where the journalist was attending a clothes distribution programme organised by a political party.
According to reports, the attackers not only injured the journalist but also stole his motorcycle before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, and a First Information Report (FIR) was later registered with the local police.
Manipur Case: Reporter Shot with Air Gun During Festival Coverage
A similar incident was reported from Manipur, where another journalist was attacked while covering a flower festival in Laii village, located in the Senapati district. The journalist was shot twice with an air gun, suffering serious injuries. He was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment.
The assault, which occurred on August 30, raised alarms among press organisations and human rights defenders who condemned the growing culture of violence and intimidation against journalists in conflict-prone areas like Manipur.
Kerala Assault: Journalist Beaten While Returning from Function
In Kerala, yet another journalist faced violence near Mangattukavala in Thodupuzha. The victim was reportedly returning from a wedding function when a group of unidentified individuals assaulted him. The attack left him injured and hospitalised. Police have registered a case and initiated investigations into the incident.
NHRC’s Swift Response and Mandate
The National Human Rights Commission, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, has acted swiftly in response to these reports. The Commission, a statutory autonomous body, serves as a guardian of human rights in India, ensuring protection and redressal in cases of violations involving life, liberty, dignity, and equality.
The NHRC has the authority to act suo motu—on its own initiative—based on credible media reports or other sources, even in the absence of a formal complaint. In this instance, the Commission’s action underscores its concern over the safety of journalists and the larger implications for press freedom and democratic accountability.
“The Commission has sought detailed reports from the Directors General of Police of Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura within two weeks,” an NHRC official stated. “It has also asked the authorities to inform whether the victims are receiving proper medical care and if steps are being taken to ensure their safety and justice.”
Rising Threats to Press Freedom
The recent spate of attacks adds to a worrying pattern of hostility toward journalists across several states. Press freedom advocates have repeatedly called for stronger institutional safeguards to protect media professionals from violence, harassment, and political intimidation.
Journalists’ unions in the three affected states have welcomed the NHRC’s intervention, urging swift and impartial investigations. “Such attacks not only endanger individual journalists but also weaken the democratic right to free expression,” one press association leader remarked.
Call for Accountability
The NHRC’s decision to intervene highlights growing national concern over the erosion of media freedom in India. The Commission’s directive aims to ensure accountability at the state level and reinforce the principle that attacks on journalists constitute serious human rights violations.
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As investigations progress in Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura, human rights observers stress that ensuring justice in these cases will be crucial for restoring public trust and upholding the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and expression.
