APUWJ, APC condemn alleged journalist harassment during bandh, seek accountability from ANSU
Itanagar, September 25: The violence and alleged harassment reported during Thursday’s 12-hour bandh in the Itanagar Capital Region have triggered serious concerns over law and order and the safety of journalists, even as Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said those calling bandhs would have to bear the losses caused by such disruptions.
Speaking to the media, Khandu stressed the need to maintain peace and law and order during such situations and said force should not be used. He also said the government would convene a meeting with representatives of the Nyishi Students’ Union to discuss their education-related demands and the concerns arising from Thursday’s bandh.
“Whoever calls the bandh will have to pay for the losses,” the Chief Minister said while responding to questions on the bandh and the incidents reported during the shutdown.
The bandh, called by the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU), had brought normal life in the capital region to a standstill, with shops and business establishments remaining closed and vehicular movement disrupted at several locations. The union has been demanding action on 56 identified schools in seven Nyishi-inhabited districts, early commencement of the Government Engineering College at Toru in Papum Pare and establishment of a school for children with special needs at Pakke-Kessang.
However, incidents reported during the bandh have now emerged as a major concern.
The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Press Club (APC), in a joint statement issued on Thursday, strongly condemned the alleged harassment of a video journalist while he was covering the bandh at Bage Tinali, Nirjuli.
According to the statement, Capital News video journalist Joram Domin was allegedly stopped by ANSU volunteers while carrying out his professional duties. His mobile phone and motorcycle were allegedly seized, and he was subjected to prolonged harassment and intimidation for nearly three hours, particularly over his identity as a media professional.
The media organisations further stated that Domin was allegedly confronted and asked to record and release an apology video. As his phone had been seized, he was also unable to contact his office or seek immediate assistance.
The situation reportedly required the intervention of Thiem Lhouvum, Managing Head of Capital Digital Cable Network in Itanagar, who reached the spot to help de-escalate the situation. According to the APUWJ-APC statement, she had to confront around 20 to 30 ANSU volunteers during the intervention, putting her own safety at risk.
The two apex media organisations have demanded clarification from the ANSU leadership and accountability for the alleged harassment, intimidation, seizure of the journalist’s belongings and obstruction of his professional duties.
“Incidents like this should not set a precedent. Any attempt to silence journalists during legitimate work raises serious concerns,” APUWJ president Dodum Yangfo and APC president Amar Sangno said.
They extended support to Capital News and the affected journalist, stressing that journalists should be able to carry out their professional duties freely and without fear or intimidation.
Meanwhile, the overall law-and-order situation across the Itanagar Capital Region remained largely peaceful, barring a few stray incidents of arson and minor clashes.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Itanagar Range) Tumme Amo said police were actively verifying reports concerning a vehicle that was set on fire during the morning.
“As of now, no formal case or FIR has been registered as no formal complaints have been received. However, we are verifying the details regarding the vehicle burnt in the morning. The SP is currently inspecting the matter, and appropriate cases will be registered upon verification,” Amo said.
The DIG also clarified that, according to official information available with the police, only one vehicle-burning incident had been confirmed. Reports of multiple vehicles or scooties being set on fire had not been verified.
A video circulating on social media showing a commuter allegedly being manhandled by protesters in the Akashdeep area has also come to the attention of police.
“I have seen the video footage. Such behaviour is extremely unfortunate and should not happen—it sends a completely wrong signal to the public,” Amo said.
He further stated that some individuals were also found moving around under the influence of alcohol during the protest.
Despite the isolated incidents, Amo said there was no major widespread violence across the capital region and that the situation remained under control. Police personnel were deployed at key locations and continued to monitor the situation.
The bandh has also raised the possibility of further disruption, with ANSU president Ashok Doka announcing a 48-hour “democratic shutdown” across Arunachal Pradesh from September 28 if the government fails to respond to the union’s demands.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister’s decision to convene a meeting with the Nyishi Students’ Union assumes significance, with the government now expected to address both the education-related demands and concerns arising from the incidents during Thursday’s bandh.
