RK Imo urges media fraternity to exercise caution
maintain neutrality while reporting sensitive matters
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 30 2023:
Sagolband AC MLA, RK Imo Singh has expressed concerned over the dissemination of unverified news by certain media houses from outside the State and urged the media fraternity to exercise caution & maintain neutrality while reporting sensitive matters.
In a release issued by the office of 11-Sagolband AC MLA, RK Imo appealed to the media not to jump to conclusions without verifying the facts.
Referring to a recent incident reported by TIMES NOW, the MLA stated that the State Government possesses a forensic science report regarding the matter, which refutes the claims of wrongdoing.
Addressing another media report by East Mojo, RK Imo clarified that the attacks near Bishnupur-Churachandpur District were not carried out by valley armed militias as reported.
Instead, the firing incident involved the so-called Churachandpur village defence force against Central & State security forces.
He continued that during the unfortunate event, one personnel of Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army, one Manipur Police personnel and several others sustained injuries due to the hurling of bombs by the so-called village volunteers.
The MLA also expressed serious concern about the presence of explosives with the village defence volunteers, posing a significant question about their origin and possession.
He urged media houses to fact-check before reporting to maintain accuracy and uphold the principles of responsible journalism.
He also raised a critical question regarding the sustainability and origins of arms & ammunition being utilized by the so-called defence force.
Expressing deep concern, he questioned how a village defence force or volunteers could sustain a conflict against the Indian Army and State Police for a prolonged period of three months.
Reiterating the urgent need for complete disarmament in the State, he called for the confiscation of all weapons belonging to insurgent groups and illegal armed foreign forces.
RK Imo also extended a warm welcome to the visiting I.N.D.I.A.Alliance MPs and emphasized the importance of focusing on peace-building efforts in the State.
He urged the visiting delegates not to engage in political posturing but rather sincerely participate in bringing lasting peace to the region.
He also urged the delegates to take the time to listen to all sides and gather a comprehensive understanding of the ground rules.
"Paint the real picture, backed by evidence, so that appropriate action can be taken against illegal migrants and the uninterrupted supply of arms & ammunition", he asserted.
Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Editor of TIMES NOW, the Director of Information & Public Relations, Government of Manipur, informed that a news story/ video under the caption "Manipur Victim Speaks About Her Horrifying Experience/ Times Now Exclusive/ Latest Updates" telecast in TIMES NOW and social media platforms at YouTube, Facebook, etc on July 27, 2023, has created confusion and is likely to incite people belonging to a certain community in escalating the ongoing violence in Manipur.
"Contrary to the news report, the Bishnupur Police Station has clarified that no complaint or report was lodged by the alleged victim till date and hence, denied receipt of any complaint.
The Porompat Police Station has also denied occurrence of the incident due to lack of evidence.
Therefore, the incident as alleged by the lady in the video is fabricated, baseless and devoid of truth", the letter added.
In view of the facts and circumstances, the Director requested the Editor to kindly remove the said news story/ video from the channel and social media platforms immediately in order to avoid any confusion or false narrative among the communities.
"Further, a humble appeal is made to desist from publication of any unverified or false information related to the ongoing violence and current unrest in the State", it asserted.
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