The NHRC has issued notices on Thursday to the DGPs of Assam and Mizoram calling for a detailed report on the alleged physical assault and lathi charge on journalists by the Assam police at Zophai Bairabi area in Kolasib district of Mizoram near Assam border on March 8 and 10.
The NHRC has asked the officers to respond within four weeks. The National Human Rights Commission has issued these directions after taking cognizance of a complaint.
The journalists had gone to Zophai to prepare a ground report as there was tension between Mizo Zirlai Pawl, a student organization of Mizoram and the Assam police, which escalated due to lathi charge by the Assam police on the journalists. The police also allegedly fired gun shots during the action.
It is also mentioned in the complaint that the journalists were displaying their press identity cards to the police personnel but they were not spared and were beaten black and blue. Many of the journalists, including women, have sustained serious injuries.