The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu (on its own motion) cognizance of disturbing media reports regarding multiple physical assaults on journalists in three different states: Kerala, Manipur, and Tripura (occurring in August-September 2025).
The attacks including one journalist being shot with an air gun in Manipur, and others assaulted while covering events or returning from work underscore the widespread and persistent threat of physical violence and legal harassment against reporters in India.

The NHRC has issued formal notices to the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all three states. They have been directed to submit detailed reports on the incidents, investigations, arrests, and measures taken to prevent the recurrence of such assaults within a two-week timeframe.