IMPHAL, December 8: A senior journalist of the local daily, Poknapham was reportedly assaulted by a group of influential persons inside the high security area of Babupara, Sanjenthong that houses several official quarters of ministers, MLAs and other high ranking government officials this evening over a parking issue.
The victim journalist has been identified as Kesonanda Khuman, senior journalist of the Poknapham daily.
According to the victim, the incident occurred around 6:45 pm this evening when he was coming out of the tourism commissioner’s official quarter.
He further informed that he was visiting the tourism minister in connection with a news report. While coming out of the commissioner’s quarter he met a friend and was chatting with him, when he noticed that a Hyundai Verna white in colour had knocked down his kinetic scooter, he added.
He further identified the car to have the regd no MNO4A-4504.
He further informed that subsequently he went upto the vehicle and protested to the person who was driving the vehicle. The occupant (driver) came out of the vehicle and started verbally abusing him, inspite of his identifying himself as a reporter.
Meanwhile, the occupants of the car started to assault him and he tried to defend himself, however he was outnumbered in seconds by the driver and his friends who numbered around 8-10, he further stated.
The Verna driver along with his friends ran away from the spot leaving his car behind soon after assaulting him, he further added.
The victim also stated that right after the incident he reported the matter to the SDPO Imphal west and officer in charge of Imphal Police Station, who rushed at the incident spot and enquired about the matter.
The police team also rushed him to JNIMS where he was given first aid.
“The culprits who attacked me have no respect for humanity or society, I identified myself and tried to negotiate with them, but they disregarded my identity and my service, I want them to be punished”, said Kesonanda.
He further claimed that even though he is not sure of it one of his sources has identified the driver of the Verna as a contractor from Thoubal side.
Meanwhile an FIR has been lodged with the Imphal police station in connection with the incident.
He suffered some bruises on his face and his nose-bone has been fractured due to the assualt.