Dimapur, October 30 (MExN): The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Press Club (APC) have condemned the inclusion of senior journalist and deputy editor of The Arunachal Times, Tongam Rina, in an application seeking search warrants in connection with the October 23 violence in Pasighat during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
In a joint press statement issued on October 29, the two organisations described the development as “deeply disturbing” and a “serious threat to press freedom”, raising concerns over the possible misuse of investigative powers to intimidate journalists reporting on contentious public issues. According to documents submitted by the investigating officer of Pasighat Police Station before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, East Siang district, on October 27, Rina's name figures among four individuals in an application seeking search warrants under Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
APUWJ and APC asserted that “journalism is not a crime, reporting on protests is not an offence, and questioning those in power is not an act of criminality.” Describing Rina as a “respected senior journalist” who has spent years reporting on governance, indigenous rights, environmental concerns and issues affecting Arunachal Pradesh, the organisations questioned her inclusion in the proceedings “without publicly disclosed evidence linking her to any criminal activity.”
While condemning the violence, arson and destruction of property in Pasighat, the two organisations maintained that “criminal investigations must never become instruments to intimidate journalists, suppress uncomfortable reporting or silence critical voices.”
“A journalist carrying a camera, notebook or microphone is not a criminal. Reporting from a protest site cannot be equated with participating in violence,” the statement said.
APUWJ and APC demanded that the Arunachal Pradesh Police and state government immediately clarify the specific grounds for Rina's inclusion in the proceedings, ensure an urgent review and take corrective action if her inclusion is found unjustified. “Press freedom cannot be sacrificed for administrative convenience or political discomfort,” they stated, warning that any attempt to criminalise legitimate journalism would “set a dangerous precedent and create a chilling effect on independent reporting across the state.”
The organisations further declared that they “will not remain silent spectators to intimidation, harassment or unjustified criminal proceedings against journalists discharging their professional responsibilities.” Reiterating their solidarity with Rina, APUWJ and APC said, “Silencing journalists will not silence the truth. Intimidating the press will only weaken democracy.”
