IJU condemns assault on scribes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2025: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly condemned the assault of two reporters of Impact TV News by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) while they were on duty covering a public protest at Kwakeithel, on June 7, 2025, at around 10 pm.

The Union is appalled to learn that the assault occurred despite the journalists clearly identifying themselves as media persons, and that the CRPF personnel also resorted to using foul language against them, said IJU in a statement signed by its secretary general Sabina Inderjit.

Saying that the Union stands in solidarity with its affiliate, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM) in condemning this 'egregious' act of violence and intimidation against journalists discharging their professional duties, the IJU said that such actions against the media are unacceptable and represent a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.

IJU president and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak said that 'brutal' assault on journalists in Manipur is a stark reminder of the increasing hostility faced by media professionals in the line of duty.

Demanding a thorough and impartial enquiry into the incident and strict punishment for the perpetrators, he added that the safety of journalists must be non-negotiable.

IJU secretary general and vice president of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Sabina Indeijit, added that the repeated targeting of journalists in Manipur is deeply concerning and undermines the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

The IJU said that it supports the AMWJU and EGM's resolution to file an FIR in connection with the incident and their decision to protest by keeping all editorials of June 8, 2025, publications blank with the common slogan, "AMWJU & EGM condemn repeated assault and intimidation of journalists".

The IJU called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident, with exemplary punishment for those responsible to deter future attacks on journalists.

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