RAF threatens scribes; AMWJU, EGM condemn
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 17 2023:
The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Mani-pur (EGM) have vehemently condemned the ill-treatment meted out to three journalists by the personnel of Rapid Action Force (RAF) near Singjamei police station at Kakwa late last night.
AMWJU and EGM, in a joint statement, said that they may launch a protest if the authorities concerned fail to take up actions against the erring RAF personnel within 48 hours.
According to the statement, AMWJU general secretary Athokpam Jiten from Koirou, Thongju and games and sports secretary Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei from Kyamgei Maning Leikai who were heading home after dischar-ging duties were detained by the RAF personnel deployed at Kakwa area.
The RAF personnel, speaking in Hindi, threatened the two journalists in a harsh tone- "We don't care if you guys are media persons or not, so turn back and return to the side which you came from," .
They further asked "Should we beat you or smash your vehicles ?" .
Saying that the two journalists were then pushed by one of the RAF personnel, AMWJU and EGM continued that the two media persons took the Singjamei Waikhom Leikai road to return home as they didn't want to confront them.
A video journalist of ToM TV Ibungo Laishram was also harassed by the RAF while trying to return to his home at Langthabal from his Kakwa office at around 10.30 pm, it added.
It may be mentioned that three RAF personnel have been placed under supervision for trying to torch one meat shop at Dimdailong, New Checkon on May 26 while the same force (RAF) assaulted a reporter of Mannaba L Kanta at Naoremthong on May 29 .
Two other personnel of RAF have also been suspended for vandalising 14 cars parked along the Moirangkhom stretch on the intervening night of June 12 and 13 .
Lastly, AMWJU and EGM appealed to all concerned, including the public not to obstruct the movement of media persons, specially while returning home at night after performing their duties.