ITANAGAR, 25 Sep: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and the Arunachal Press Club (APC) have strongly condemned the alleged harassment of a video journalist by unruly volunteers in Nirjuli on Thursday, while media personnel were covering the 12-hour capital bandh, and demanded clarification from the All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU).

Capital News video journalist Joram Domin was harassed and intimidated while he was carrying out his professional duties at Bage Tinali in Nirjuli during the bandh on Thursday.

The journalist was stopped and prevented from carrying out his journalistic work by ANSU volunteers/students participating in the bandh. His mobile phone and motorcycle were seized, and he was subjected to prolonged harassment and intimidation for nearly three hours, particularly over his identity as a media professional.

According to a statement issued by the Capital News office, "he was personally confronted and instead asked to record and release an apology video on the news page." His phone having been seized, he was also unable to contact the Capital News office or seek immediate assistance.

Subsequently, Thiem Lhouvum, the managing head of Capital Digital Cable Network in Itanagar, was compelled to arrive at the scene to deescalate the situation. During this intervention, she was compelled to confront approximately 20 to 30 unruly ANSU volunteers, thereby jeopardising her own safety.

Describing this as a direct threat to press freedom, the apex media organisations urged the ANSU leadership to assume responsibility, provide a comprehensive explanation of the conduct exhibited by the individuals involved, and ensure accountability for acts of harassment, intimidation, seizure of the journalist's belongings, and obstruction of his professional duties.

"Such conduct is unacceptable and interferes with a journalist's liberty, safety, and rights. No one has the right to hinder, seize equipment, threaten, or coerce a journalist into recording or publishing an apology. The APC and the APUWJ condemn this incident and assert that journalists must carry out their duties freely, without fear or intimidation, regardless of circumstances," the apex media bodies said.

"Incidents like this should not set a precedent. Any attempt to silence journalists during legitimate work raises serious concerns," stated APUWJ President Dodum Yangfo and APC President Amar Sangno.

The apex media bodies said they extend support to Capital News and the affected journalist in protecting their professional rights and safety.