Northeast Desk, 9th August: In response to the arson attack on print materials in Kangpokpi district, the Manipur media fraternity staged a protest and suspended work for a day.
The incident, which occurred on August 7 during daylight hours, was condemned by the media community as an assault on freedom of speech and expression. The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) criticized the attack as a deliberate attempt to silence the media and undermine democratic values.
Raj Nongthombam, vice president of AMWJU, described the arson as a targeted attack designed to suppress media voices. He expressed disappointment that such an incident occurred despite the presence of security forces on national highways. Nongthombam urged authorities, particularly the security adviser of Manipur, to take stringent action against those responsible and provide compensation for the damaged materials.
The media fraternity has long advocated for the safe transportation of print materials along national highways 2 and 37. The recent attack, which deviated from the previously stable conditions, highlighted the need for enhanced security measures to protect media operations.