ITANAGAR, (Arunachal Pradesh) 29 June 2020: The Arunachal Press Club, Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists, and the Arunachal Electronic & Digital Media Association condemns in the strongest terms the physical assault and verbal threats issued to a journalist from the State while on the line of duty by at least four identified men on Monday.
Hofe Dada, a reporter with the digital media outlet ‘Gyoloo News’, was reporting on the SMS Smelters Ltd in Lekhi village when he was reportedly accosted by four men. Dada was allegedly slapped by one of the men without any provocation.
When questioned why they were assaulting him, the men reportedly said questioned Dada as to why journalists repeatedly make reports on this factory in question. Dada said that he tried to explain to the men that he was trying to report on an issue that affects the people. He was told to leave the premises and issued a threat if he did not comply.
Reportedly, one of the men said that he will meet the same fate that senior journalist Tongam Rina had when she was shot at in 2012.
Dada has filed a complaint at the Nirjuli Police Station. A case already registered vide Nirjuli PS case no.25/2020 u/s 341/325/506 IPC.
The SMS Smelters Ltd Sset up in the heart of the thickly populated township at Lheki village at Naharlagun(Itanagar), This -SMS Smelters Limited/Salasar Factory, spews out plumes of smoke from its chimneys visible from miles.
Categorized under “Red” (highly polluting industries), having maximum production capacity of 1000M/T annually, the factory was established in the year 2004. Since then, things have never been the same for the residents of Lekhi, Model & Lekhi village and Nirjuli areas.
The media bodies are extremely concerned by such incidents and would like to express that such complaints of intimidation have been received on several occasions earlier as well. While we will not remark on the merit of any accusation or whether the goons have any connection to the firm in question, we hope and appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.
