The scribes under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) organized a mass rally yesterday from the premises of Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, to the Chief Minister’s Bungalow and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister O. Ibobi apprising him of the problems faced by the journalists of the state.
The Chief Minister affirmed to take up stringent security measures to safeguard the media houses and journalists.
The journalists held a sit-in-protest near Keishampat Power House decrying the acts of the UGs who intimidated the press regarding the publication of some controversial statements. Later an emergency meeting was also held at Manipur Press Club participated by senior journalists, editors and other working journalists of the state.
The statement of the AMWJU said that the news firms of the state ceased its publication for three days following death threats received from the two factions of KCP (MTF) regarding the publication of a press statement issued by publicity secretary Sunil Meetei of KCP (MTF) who claimed it’s hand in the killing of Utlou Zilla Parishad member Thokchom Sanayamba for his alleged link with gangsters and extortion from the public.
The release further states that some individuals claiming themselves to be members of the outfit came to some media houses on 26 october and intimidated the journalists that there can be no publication unless a decision has been made by the senior leaders of the KCP (MTF).The said cadres further threatned that if their dictat is not followed then ,editors,reportes including hawkers shall be targeted.
On the other hand, the commander-in-chief of KCP (MTF), Kesho Meetei clarified that Sunil Meetei is not a member of the outfit and he has nothing to do with the functioning of the party and newspapers can print the edition sans Sunil Meeitei statement.
The confrontation between the two factions of the KCP (MTF) affected the working the news firms of the state and hence the publication of newspapers was stopped from October 27 and continued for three days, it said.
The AMWJU also regretted for failing to publish newspapers for three days owing to the threats from the UGs and appealed to all to render utmost help and support to avoid such untoward incidents in the future.Stating that AMWJU is not againts the interest of any particular group, any organisation further harrasing the media will be veiwed on grounds of challenging the scribe body and freedom of ther press,the release stated.