In a shocking attack on press freedom, unknown armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle of Khoirom Loyalakpa, Editor-in-Chief of Naharolgi Thoudang, before assaulting him late Wednesday night in Imphal East district.
The incident took place around 10 pm near Hatta War Cemetery under Porompat Police Station. According to sources, a suspected Maruti Swift had been trailing Loyalakpa’s vehicle before intercepting it. The attackers reportedly blocked his path, stepped out of their car, and fired two rounds at the left window glass of his vehicle.
They then allegedly dragged him out and assaulted him with a hard object, causing injuries to his face and teeth. The assailants fled the scene as local residents rushed out after hearing the gunshots.
Police later recovered two empty .32 calibre bullet shells from the spot. A formal complaint has been lodged, and an investigation is underway. Officials said the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Loyalakpa, who also serves as President of the Manipur Hockey Association, had earlier faced security threats. In July 2024, unidentified miscreants had fired six rounds at the gate of his residence in Imphal East. Sources said he had previously received threats from armed groups, and his security cover was reportedly withdrawn last year.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), which termed the attack a direct assault on the media fraternity. An emergency meeting held this evening resolved to stage a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai from 10 am to 1 pm on Thursday.
No arrests had been made at the time of filing this report. The investigation is ongoing.
