Imphal : Journalists across Manipur on Friday staged coordinated protests condemning the recent armed assault on senior editor Khoirom Loyalakpa and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, along with stronger safety measures for media professionals in the State.

The demonstrations were jointly organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM). Senior editors, reporters and video journalists from multiple media houses participated, holding placards and raising slogans denouncing attacks on the press.

A joint memorandum was submitted to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, urging swift legal action and institutional safeguards to ensure the safety of journalists.

In the memorandum, the media bodies expressed “profound concern and deep anguish” over what they described as a disturbing pattern of assaults on working journalists in Manipur. They noted that Loyalakpa and other media practitioners had allegedly faced threats and intimidation in the past, warning that such incidents endanger individual lives and erode democratic values and freedom of expression.

The organisations called for:

”               Immediate and time-bound registration of an FIR against the perpetrators;

”               A swift, impartial and transparent investigation;

”               Implementation of concrete safety protocols for journalists across Manipur; and

”               Periodic engagement between the government and journalists’ associations to address security concerns.

They also appealed to the State government to uphold the right to life, liberty and freedom of the press.

Addressing the gathering, AMWJU Vice President S. Sonia strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a life-threatening assault on the editor of Naharol gi Thoudang. “It is a very unfortunate incident, and such acts must not happen in the future,” she said, adding that attacks on journalists strike at the heart of democracy and free speech.

Senior journalist Wahengbam Tiken said the protest was meant to send a clear message that the media fraternity would not be silenced through threats or violence. “We strongly oppose intimidation and abuse directed at media persons. The government must ensure that journalists can discharge their duties without fear or pressure,” he said.

A delegation of AMWJU members also visited Loyalakpa at his residence to express solidarity and assess his condition.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that an FIR bearing No. 45(02)2026 PRT-PS has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 25(1-B) of the Arms Act, 1959. The sections invoked pertain to allegations of wrongful restraint, assault, attempt to commit an offence, damage to property, and illegal use of firearms.

According to police officials, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the accused.

Recounting the incident, Loyalakpa alleged that unidentified miscreants opened fire at his vehicle on the night of February 18, shattering its windowpanes before dragging him out and assaulting him. He said the attackers struck him with the butt of a firearm, leaving him with a fractured jaw. The assailants reportedly fled amid the commotion.

The injured editor is currently undergoing treatment at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal. Hospital sources said his condition is stable.

Sources indicated that this was not the first time Loyalakpa had been targeted, as he had reportedly faced similar attacks in the past. The motive behind the latest assault remains unclear as the investigation continues.