Bodies condemn assault on media persons
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 19 2015:
United NGOs Mission Manipur, North East Dialogue Forum, Social Welfare and Development Centre, Women Action for Development, Social Action Development Organization, Social Development Foundation, United Tribal Development Project, Peoples' Platform Secretariat, People Action Development NH-37, Life Development Organization, Centre for Social Development and Village Women Coordinating Committee have expressed deep shock over the reported incident wherein some armed men looked for Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor of Naharolgi Thoudang on Feb 17 at his Kontha Khabam Mayai Leikai residence while he was out.
Four masked and armed men asked for Loyalakpa in the presence of his old parents.
Every nook and corner of the residence was searched in an arrogant manner by gunmen who held guns in their hands.
His 94 years old mother was mentally shocked after the action of the four masked men and still she is traumatized, a joint statement issued by the bodies said.
The bodies also condemned the assault of Noren Ningombam along with a cameraman Bipin Sharma on Feb 13 at Moreh by personnel of 9 Assam Rifles while they were covering an incident.
The people in Manipur have already experienced the killing of IFP staff, Konsam Rishikanta alias Naoba (21) s/o K Budhi and Konsam (O) Ibecha of Ningomthong Sairom Leirak under Thongju AC a few years ago.
Attacking civilians, journalists, human rights defenders, women and children falls under war crime which has to be obliged by Indian State, the statement said.
Indian State has the responsibility to protect civilians including journalists.
The freedom of expression and association should be respected under the ICCPR of UN.
It urged the Governments of India and Manipur to investigate the cases mentioned by establishing an independent committee.