Kohima, Nov 24 (MExN): Nagaland Post Kohima correspondent Xavier Rütsa was today shot at by an unidentified gunman at around 9 pm around the premises of the New NST at Kohima. Rütsa was being accompanied by a fellow journalist Atou Liezetsu who also works for the same newspaper.
They were returning from Nishit Dholabhai’s residence after having dinner there. Dholabhai is a correspondent of The Telegraph. Rütsa and Liezetsu were riding home on a scooter when the armed assailant motioned them to stop. As it was already nightfall, the journalists took caution and instead decided to speed away.
The miscreant then produced a weapon and fired at them from behind. The bullet hit Rütsa in his bottom. He had ensconced himself as the pillion rider. He was immediately taken to Oking Hospital where he was operated upon. Rütsa’s condition is reported to be out of danger.
“The entire press fraternity in Nagaland is shocked about the attempted assassination of Xavier Rutsa”, President Press Corps of Nagaland (PCN) stated in a late night communiqué and termed the incident as an attack on the fourth estate.
Pointing out that journalists in Nagaland were being subjected to various threats despite carrying out their duties with dedication in the service of the people, the PCN also urged upon the civil societies and all frontal organisations to close ranks against terror and lawless elements that are plaguing our society today.
The Kohima Press Club (KPC) has also condemned in the strongest words the attempt made on the life of its treasurer, Xavier Rutsa. KPC in a press statement said such “cowardly attacks” directed against a member of the media fraternity, which has been struggling against all odds in its fight for justice, should be condemned by all right thinking citizens.
Appealing to the authorities to arrest the culprit at the earliest, the KPC further asserted that no amount of “threats or bullets” shall stifle the voice of the fourth estate.
The Dimapur Press Club similarly while condemning the incident expressed concern over the fact that of late media persons in the state were being targeted by different individuals/groups simply because the media, as part of its job was disseminating impartial news.
“And in spite of the rosy picture being projected by the state Government about the improvement in the law & order situation in the state, tonight’s incident where a sincere and dedicated journalist was shot at in the state Capital has brought to light the real picture of the prevalent situation in the state”, the DPC stated.
The DPC while calling upon the state Government to nab the culprit(s) involved at the earliest time possible also urged the Government to bear the medical bills incurred for Xavier’s treatment. The DPC also wishes a speedy recovery to Xavier Rutsa.
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