IWPC condemns attack on Arunachal journalist

New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) The Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) Monday condemned the attack on editor Tonggam Rina, who was shot at outside her office in the Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar.

"The Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) strongly condemns the attack. Attacks on the media are not new in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh," the IWPC said in a statement.

"IWPC strongly criticises such increasing assaults and brazen attacks on women in general across the country and urges the central and respective state governments to ensure and protect the safety and security of all women," the statement said.

"Steps should also be taken to speedily investigate and persecute those involved in crimes against women in order to deter such assaults in the future," it added.

Rina, associate editor of the Arunachal Times, was shot at when she was entering her office Sunday evening. While the 34-year-old journalist is still recovering at a local hospital, the unidentified assailants are still at large.