Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor-in-chief of Manipuri vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, was shot at and assaulted by unidentified armed assailants in Imphal East district on Wednesday night, police said, with an investigation under way.
The incident occurred around 10 pm near Hatta War Cemetery under Porompat police station limits when Loyalakpa was returning home from office. Police said an unknown car, suspected to be a Maruti Swift, which had allegedly been tailing his vehicle, blocked his path.
The assailants stepped out and fired two rounds at the left window glass of his car. They then overpowered him and allegedly assaulted him with a hard object, causing injuries to his teeth and face. The attackers fled in the same vehicle after locals gathered on hearing the gunshots.
During the investigation, police recovered two empty .32 calibre bullet cases from the spot. A complaint has been lodged at Porompat police station, and efforts are on to identify and apprehend those involved.
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The motive behind the attack and the identities of the assailants are yet to be ascertained.
Loyalakpa is also the president of the Manipur Hockey Association. In July 2024, unknown miscreants had fired six rounds at the main gate of his residence in Imphal East.
He has reportedly received threats from armed groups in the past. Security cover earlier provided by the government was withdrawn in 2024.
The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur condemned the attack, calling for swift action against those
responsible.
No arrests have been made so far.
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