KSO decries assault, abduction of scribe
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, November 18 2015:
The Kuki Students' Organization, General Headquarters has today strongly condemned the abduction and detention of the Assistant Editor of "Khohui", a monthly newsmagazine by personnel of Manipur police commandos yesterday.
Seiboi Haokip, General Secretary, KSO GHQs alleged that the assistant editor, who had gone to collect a news clip of a CNN IBN interview with the SoO group KNO for use in his newsmagazine articles was accosted by the commandos the moment he came out of Onil's house.
The commandos then whisked the scribe away like a criminal and placed him under detention where he was subjected to physical and mental torture before he was released this morning, Seiboi further alleged.
He continued that the scribe had gone to the human activist's house in good faith for information but the whole thing turned out to be a plot against him.
The student body wants the police to investigate and apprehend the informant who had colluded with the commandos against the innocent scribe while adding that this is not the first time that commandos meted out unwarranted harassment to Kuki journalists.
"It is tantamount to act of discrimination and also a disrespect to journalists", Seiboi Haokip asserted while warning that the police commandos should mend their ways if they wish to avoid unwanted reaction from the Kuki public.
The student body also appealed to the press fraternity to stand beside the assistant editor against this injustice.
Widely circulated monthly news magazine KHOHUI, is a popular news magazine among the Kuki community published from Saikul under the editorship of Limkhongam Kipgen, where Mangneo Touthang is the Assistant Editor.
Speaking to media persons this evening at Kangpokpi Mangneo Touthang said that he went to Onil's residence to collect some news clips of CNN IBN interview with the SoO group KNO yesterday at around 3.30 pm.
"When I reached his residence, Onil was with one of his friends and they offered me a cup of tea while he [Onil] was busy with his phone talking to someone", Mangneo recalled and added "when I was about to leave after getting the news clips, Onil asked some photos from me and I readily transferred those photos to his lap top while he kept on talking on his phone." He further narrated that after transferring all the photos, Onil and his friend then dropped him and the main gate and immediately closed the gate after he crossed it.
"To my amazement, the commandos accosted me shortly after I left Onil's residence on my two wheeler near Keishamthong", Mangneo added.
He also said that the security force whisked him away after taking all his belongings including his cell phone, laptop, and camera.
"They were given back this morning when I was released," he added.
Mangneo also said that while he was detained at the commando barrack he was physically assaulted and the cops accused him of belonging to this and that party even after I had disclosed my identity.
"I am completely upset with all the uncalled-for happenings while I am devoted and sincere in my profession", Mangneo lamented while conveying gratitude to all those involved in securing his release.
Khohui Editor Limkhongam Kipgen also expressed his discontentment over the incident and urged the police department not mistreat journalists of the State who have been tirelessly working for the welfare of the people.
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