AR accused of harassing journalist in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, September 25 2023:
Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA) has strongly condemned an incident involving harassment of a prominent journalist by Subedar Kamla Pati Joshi of the 24 Assam Rifles, COB at Ramva in Ukhrul district.
The incident occurred at the Ramva Check Post on Monday around 8:12 am.
The journalist, an active member of UDWJA and the Ukhrul district correspondent for Ukhrul Times, ISTV, and The Frontier Manipur, was on his way to Imphal when he was unnecessarily harassed by Subedar Kamla Pati Joshi.
This behaviour was deemed unwarranted and unfortunate, especially from a responsible army officer, UDWJA informed in a statement.
It further said that even after identifying himself as a journalist, he was questioned alleging him that he looks like a high-ranking NSCN-IM leader.
The Subedar went so far as to show a photo of the NSCN-IM leader from his mobile phone.
After a verbal dispute, the journalist was permitted to proceed to Imphal only after documentation of the vehicle he was traveling in.
In response to this incident, UDWJA has denounced the behaviour and resolved not to cover any programme involving the 24 Assam Rifles, Shangshak Battalion until the authority concerned addresses the misconduct.