KPC, UDWJA protest security personnel's action against journalists
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2025: The Kohima Press Club (KPC) and Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA) have condemned the harassment of journalists by security personnel at Gwaltabi while they were en route to cover the Shirui Festival's opening ceremony in Ukhrul on May 20.KPC and UDWJA expressed solidarity with the press fraternity, demanding a safe environment for journalists to guarantee freedom of expression and protect press interests.

A press release issued by UDWJA said that arrangements were made for accommodation and food for over 20 journalists and DIPR staff who were assigned to cover the Shirui Lily Festival.

Saying that their trip, however, was cancelled as the security personnel did not allow them to pass the Gwaltabi checkpoint with Manipur signage on their vehicle despite assurances of adequate security, UDWJA said that they condemn any action that curtails freedom of the press.

The association demanded that swift action be taken up against those responsible for disrupting press freedom and violating journalists' rights.

KPC, on the other hand, said that they were shocked to learn about the Gwaltabi incident.

"It is a matter of great concern that journalists are being harassed in the line of duty time and again in the region, which undermines the freedom of the press," KPC said in a press release.

Saying that KPC condemns the harassment of journalists and stands in solidarity with the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) in this matter, it demanded a safe and enabling environment for journalists to ensure freedom of expression.

Comment