AMWJU,EGM demand action against rogue RAF men
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 17 2023:
All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) strongly condemned the high-handed attitude and conduct of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel against AMWJU's general secretary, Games & Sports secretary and another member on Friday night.
In a joint meeting held Saturday, AMWJU and EGM demanded authorities concerned to take strict action against the RAF personnel involved within 48 hours, failing which further course of action would be discussed.
The release continued that on Friday around 10.15 pm, AMWJU general secretary Athokpam Jiten of Koirou Thonju and Games & Sports secretary Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei of Kyamgei Maning Leikai were returning home after completing their duty when they were stopped by an RAF team at Kakwa.
While one of the personnel allowed the journalists to roceed, another started urling verbal insults and threats (in Hindi) savine "Don't care if you are press, return", and "Do you want to get hurt or your vehicle damaged?" .
Both executive members decided not to engage with the personnel and detoured through Singjamei Waikhom Leikai to return home.
Amidr this, the same RAF teain also misbehaved with ToM TV video journalist Ibungo Laishram, who was returning home to Langthabal from ToM TV's office in Kakwa around 10.30 pm Friday.
Mention may be made here that central forces misbehaved with media persons during the May 26 incident at New Chekcon, which led to suspension of three personnel, and on May 29 when Mannaba reporter L Kanta was beaten up by RAF at Naoremthong.
Moreover, two RAF personnel had been suspended for vandalism in Yaiskul-Moirangkhom area on June 13 .
AMWJU and EGM also appealed to all concerned not to obstruct journalists who are returning home at night after completing their duty for the day.