IMPHAL, Jul 4: A three-member team of the Press Council of India (PCI) today arrived here on a two-day visit to the State to discuss different issues pertaining to the journalist fraternity. A team of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) led by its president Wangkhemcha Shamjai received the team at Imphal airport.
Speaking to reporters at Imphal airport, convenor of the team, Ravindra Kumar said that their visit was mainly triggered by NIA’s recent summon to State scribes. Later, the team interacted with the Editors, AMWJU executives and Correspondents of National media at Manipur Press Club.
Additional Secretary (Home) and APO (Press) of DIPR were also present at the interaction.
During their interaction, Ravindra expressed concern over the frequent disturbances to the media by non-State actors and other elements. He also expressed concern over the safety of the journalists in the State. In this regard, he drew the attention of the State Home Department to the issue.
The three-member team will call on Chief Minister O Ibobi and Chief Secretary O Nabakishore tomorrow. They will discuss the threats faced by the scribes during the meeting. They will also interact with the scribes of the State before they leave Imphal tomorrow. It may be mentioned that NIA had recently summoned some Editors in the aftermath of killing six Assam Rifles personnel in an ambush at Zoupi in Chandel district on May 22 last. AMWJU lodged a complaint with PCI over NIA’s summon expressing apprehension that such actions might interfere to the freedom of press.
