Walton Lyttan, a photojournalist with a Guwahati-based photo agency, was confronted by Founder Strong Cajee inside the Assembly and assaulted him. He was immediately rushed to the Shillong Civil Hospital for treatment.

Lyttan had taken a picture of Cajee dozing in the Assembly which was published in several vernacular newspapers.

The Shillong Press Club (SPC), condemning the attack, filed an FIR against the Congress legislator and demanded action from the Speaker, Charles Pyngrope and Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma.

The members of the SPC, strongly condemning the attack, said that it was an assault not only on the photojournalist alone, but also on the entire press fraternity and freedom of the press.

The members also resolved in an emergency meeting that as a mark of protest, black armbands would be worn by all journalists covering the ongoing budget session.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition from the NCP, Conrad Sangma condemning the attack said that such an incident is unprecedented in Meghalaya’s history.

“It is unbecoming of a legislator to physically attack anyone inside the Assembly. We, from the Opposition, strongly condemn the act and demand action from the Speaker,” Sangma said.