The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and the Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union (MJHU) on Thursday resolved to lift the ban imposed on publishing press releases of Assam Rifles and Security Forces.
The ban was imposed against the physical assault allegedly carried out by security forces on three journalists covering the news at New Checkon, Imphal on Monday.
A joint release stated that the move was taken following a joint meeting among AMWJU, EGM, MJHU, representatives of Assam Rifles and Jat Regiment at Manipur Press Club.
The decision was taken after the Assam Rifles’ official representing the office of PRO, assured the media organisations that such untoward incidents will not be repeated in the future, it stated.
A media liaison office is also being opened at the M Sector, Kangla Pat where the media persons can directly contact in cases of such confrontation, it added.
A Jat regiment officer also interacted with the scribes who were assaulted in the incident, wherein he assured that necessary actions have been taken against those jawans involved in the incident, it mentioned.
It may be stated that following the assault on the journalists by security forces, AMJWU, EGM and MJHU demanded suspension of those involved in the assault within 48 hours, else warned that media houses in Manipur will boycott all press releases, handouts and press conferences related to the central paramilitary forces and armed forces operating in Manipur.
A complaint was also filed to the chief minister and the chief security advisor requesting necessary actions to solve the issue.
