Northeast Desk, 11th May: An alarming incident unfolded on May 9 when a group of around 10 armed miscreants reportedly threatened Khumanthem Dhanachandra, a reporter with Imphal Times, at his residence in Naoremthong, Imphal West district. Despite Dhanachandra’s absence, the armed individuals warned his family members, sparking concern within the journalist community.
In response to this brazen act, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) swiftly convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. The joint statement issued by both organizations condemned the incident and called upon the state government to initiate legal action against the culprits within five days.
According to the statement, the armed miscreants, clad in combat attire and wielding sophisticated weapons, demanded Dhanachandra’s presence at a specified location in Imphal West on May 10. This intimidation tactic aimed at silencing the media is decried as unacceptable and warrants immediate action.
Expressing grave concern, AMWJU and EGM emphasized the need for prompt intervention by authorities to ensure the safety and protection of journalists. The release underscored the seriousness of the matter, urging all concerned parties to uphold the principles of press freedom and refrain from threatening media personnel.
Additionally, the statement stressed the importance of resolving disputes or grievances through peaceful dialogue and adherence to journalistic ethics. AMWJU and EGM reiterated their commitment to promoting responsible journalism while advocating for the safety and well-being of media professionals.
In light of the incident, the press fraternity remains vigilant, awaiting decisive action from the authorities. Failure to address the issue within the stipulated timeframe could result in escalated protests and heightened agitation, underscoring the urgency of the situation.