NEFIS condemns assault on media personnel
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2023:
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has strongly condemned the attack on media persons by the armed forces personnel yesterday in Imphal East, Manipur.
"It should be noted that the media personnel were allegedly held at gunpoint and assaulted by the armed forces personnel, while they were on duty.
Despite their press cards being prominently displayed so as to preclude any confusion as to their identity as media personnel, they were beaten up while reporting", said a release issued by NEFIS.
NEFIS continued that this assault on media personnel is condemnable in the strongest terms as it is an assault on press freedom.
"Vested interests do not want independent media to exist so as to further their agenda.
Thus, such assaults are covertly endorsed by the ruling elites", it alleged.
Condemning the burning of houses belonging to the Kuki community in Imphal East by a mob, NEFIS asserted that killings and burning of properties of any community is condemnable in strongest terms.
Pointing out that the organisation stands for press freedom, peace, justice, and communal harmony, NEFIS demanded immediate action against the armed forces personnel responsible for the assault on media personnel and apprehension of culprits responsible for burning the houses.
"State Government should ensure that no such unfortunate incidents happen, and any actions that instigate hatred among communities and provoke communal violence should be curbed", it concluded.