(Right)The remnants of the petrol bomb allegedly used in the attack is seen in this picture posted by Patricia Mukhim on her Facebook page. (Left)The damage caused by the petrol bomb.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 18
Two unidentified men hurled a petrol bomb at the residence of Patricia Mukhim, the editor of English daily The Shillong Times, in Meghalaya’s Umpling area on Tuesday evening.
Mukhim escaped unhurt in the attack as the petrol bomb missed the glass panes of her bedroom by a few inches. Hours after the incident, Mukhim took to social media, urging the police to take action.
"Criminals are getting away too easily. Police should take every case of arson and attack on press freedom with the seriousness it deserves. Please rise to the occasion," Mukhim wrote on her Facebook page.
According to a report by PTI News Agency, she saw some flames and initially thought an electric short-circuit had caused a fire.
"I tried to douse the flames outside the bedroom window thinking that an electric short-circuit had caused it. The smell of petrol and the broken bottle pieces on the floor made me realise that it was an attack," she told the news agency.
"An FIR has been lodged in the case and the police department is on the job. We will ensure that Mukhim gets justice," the report said quoting East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak, who is supervising the investigation.
The attack was widely condemned, with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma describing it as "unfortunate."
David O Laitphlang, the president of the Shillong Press Club, urged the authorities to take all measures to book the assailants. "Peace has been our hallmark but we will not cower down before forces of evil and no attempt to dissuade us from discharging our professional duties and rendering our service will be ever fructify," he added.
According to the report, Mukhim, a recipient of Chameli Devi Jain and Padma Shri awards, has been vocal on issues concerning the safety of women and children on her editorial pages and on social media platforms. She is also known for writings on mining in Meghalaya and Khasi people of the state.
NIFJ demands inquiry into the incident
Following the incident, different organizations from across the country condemned the incident and have expressed their solidarity with Mukhim. The Northeast India Federation of Journalists (NIFJ) has demanded an inquiry to the incident.
A press note from NIFJ general secretary Bedabrata Lahkar said even though no one was injured, the incident points at increasing attack on freedom of press in Meghalaya.
While demanding an inquiry to the incident, the Federation has asked the Meghalaya Government to ensure safety and security of journalists of the state and to uphold freedom of press.
Alarming rise in the number of attacks on journalist in NE: DPC
The Dimapur Press Club (DPC) said Tuesday’s attack once again bring to fore the security of journalists working in the northeast, who are under constant threat from various elements.
“There is an alarming rise in the numbers of attack on journalists in the region, and it is imperative for respective NE state governments to take steps to ensure that the fourth pillar of democracy is not silenced in our part of the world through wanton attacks and threats by unscrupulous elements,” DPC president Moa Longkumer sated in a press release.
Threats against peace activists,
journalists need to stop: NMA
Condemning the attack, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) on Wednesday said such cowardly acts of hurling bombs and threats meted out to peace activists and journalists need to stop.
As a democratic society we urge upon all sections of society to stand against threats and intimidations and allow the Fourth Pillar function in a free and fair manner, a press release issued by NMA stated.
It also drew the attention of the Government of Meghalaya to ensure security of all citizens and any crime committed should be dealt with as per law.
