Roughnecks corner reporters
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 27 2023:
Five members of the press who were on duty were harassed and attacked by locals of Henjang village near Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district today inviting strong condemnation from media fraternities.
The All Manipur Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) have condemned the incident in the strongest terms and appealed to all sections of the people to respect the media and not hinder them in performing their duties.
According to the journalists, the incident happened at around 10 am at a community hall at Henjang village.
The five journalists had gone to Henjang village to cover Army's area domination exercise and destruction of bunkers built by insurgents.
The journalists first reached Meitei village Kanto Sabal neighbouring Leimakhong.
From there, they were taken to Henjang village in a vehicle of the commander of the Kumaon Regiment, a Colonel.
With the Army, they covered the Army's area domination exercise and destruction of bunkers used by insurgents.
Later, on the request of the Henjang village chief (Khulakpa) Kammang Lhouvum to cover a public meeting which was reportedly being held at a community hall in the village, the journalists and the army went to the venue.
When the pressmen were preparing to cover the public meeting, some youths approached them and enquired which media organisations they belong to.
When they informed them that the group consists of National and local media, the youths then told them only National media will be allowed to cover the meeting.
However, a mob emerged and started behaving aggressively and started abusing them using foul languages.
They confiscated the camera and deleted photos and video footage.
Sensing threats to their lives, the journalists boarded the Colonel's vehicle for safety while army personnel surrounded the vehicle.
The mob then blocked the way of the vehicle and surrounded it.
After controlling the mob, the Army rescued and brought them to safety, said the journalists.
Notably, Kumaon Regiment officers, with the assistance of 6 Manipur Rifles, had held a meeting with Kanto Sabal locals.
At the meeting, the Army had said that despite many security measures being taken up by the regiment to contain violence and bring peace, they were not trusted and believed by the villagers of Kanto Sabal.
The journalists were brought in by the Army to show the measures they have taken to the people of Kanto Sabal, they (journalists) said.