AMWJU takes serious note of 'attack'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 01 2014:
Taking serious note of yesterday's attack on a group of reporters, the State media fraternity has decided not to carry any press release and news of any function, organised by the clubs and Meira Paibee bodies of Nambol Chingmang Maibam Leikai until the issue is settled.
Speaking to reporters at Manipur Press Club, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) President Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said that the decision was taken in an emergency meeting of the Standing Committee of the union, held today.
Contending that the union had taken a detailed report of the incident from the reporters, who went to the locality to collect news last night, Shyamjai said that the union would lodge an FIR at Nambol Police Station to demand early arrest of the culprit(s), who tried to attack the reporters using lethal weapons.
It may be mentioned that a violent mob physically assaulted the OC of Nambol Police Station, Premchand apart from setting ablaze of a police Gypsy at Maibam Lotpa Chingmang yesterday.
A police team led by the OC went there to arrest some one, but they were overpowered by a mob.
After injuring the police officer, the mob chased a group of reporters, who went to the locality to collect news.
Strongly condemning the incident of trying to attack the media persons, Wangkhem Shyamjai said that it was unfortunate to level false charges against the media without considering the inconveniences and hardships faced by scribes.
He said that the State media fraternity is working with full dedication by even risking their life day and night.
He also demanded the authority concerned to arrest and award befitting punishment to the person(s), who chased the reporters with lethal weapons in their hands.
The AMWJU President said that the union would also submit a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio to demand an enquiry into the incident.
In the meantime, Shyamjai said, no press release and news of functions, organised by the clubs and Meira Paibee bodies of Nambol Maibam Chingmang would be published until the issue is settled.
On the other hand, Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said that AMWJU would issue new identity cards to its members soon.
In this regard, he informed the AMWJU members to submit passport photos and necessary documents to the union by October 15 .
He further said that a free health camp for the State scribes and their family members would be held at Manipur Press Club on October 16 .