Manipur editor-in-chief of local vernacular daily shot at, assaulted

Unknown armed assailants allegedly shot at and assaulted Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor-in-chief of the vernacular daily Naharolgi Thoudang, on Wednesday night in Imphal East district of Manipur. The incident occurred around 10pm near Hatta War cemetery under Porompat police station limits when he was returning home from office. Police have launched an investigation, but no arrests have been made so far.

According to officials, an unidentified car suspected to be a Maruti Swift followed Loyalakpa’s vehicle and blocked his path. The attackers reportedly fired two rounds at the left window glass of his car before overpowering him. He was allegedly assaulted with a hard object, sustaining injuries to his teeth and face. The assailants fled the scene as locals gathered after hearing the gunshots.

During the investigation, police recovered two empty .32 calibre bullet cases from the spot. A formal complaint has been lodged at Porompat police station, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved. Authorities said the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Loyalakpa, who is also president of the Manipur Hockey Association, had earlier faced threats from armed groups. In July 2024, unidentified miscreants had fired six rounds at his residence in Imphal East. Journalist bodies, including the All Manipur Working Journalist Union and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur, have strongly condemned the latest attack.