Imphal: Journalists fraternity under the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) staged protest demanding the termination of a police officer allegedly involved in the assault of a journalist while covering internally displaced persons’ agitation.
The journalists marched a rally towards the Manipur chief minister’s residence to submit a memorandum demanding prompt action against the officer.
The protest followed an incident involving Rameshchandra Mutum of Impact TV, a local cable channel, who was allegedly assaulted by a sub-inspector of Manipur Police while covering a protest by the internally displaced persons Imphal East district.
Rameshchandra, who was on duty, was allegedly assaulted while attempting to record video footage of the incident, despite identifying himself as a journalist. The police officer reportedly snatched his mobile phone after questioning his media credentials and then assaulted him.
Rameshchandra’s mobile phone was damaged, and he sustained an injury to his chin, requiring evacuation to Raj Medicity hospital, where he received four stitches.
The journalists fraternity condemned the incident, marching in a silent rally from Manipur Press Club, Imphal, to the chief minister’s residence.
Presidents of AMWJU and EGM, along with eight other journalists, met with chief minister, N. Biren Singh and submitted the memorandum.
The chief inister assured that an inquiry would be conducted within two days. “Based on the inquiry report, appropriate action will be taken against the police officer if found guilty”.
The memorandum demanded the suspension of the police officer during the inquiry and that the officer bear the costs incurred by Rameshchandra, including his medical expenses.
The journalist bodies also called for protective measures for journalists in Manipur, citing past incidents of similar nature.
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