Journalists in the valley region of Manipur have decided not to cover the state police for the next 48 hours in protest against an alleged assault on a TV journalist by a sub-inspector on Thursday afternoon. 

The journalist, Mutum Rameshchandra, a senior reporter with the regional channel Impact TV, has demanded that the police officer be sacked.

Around 100 journalists also marched from Manipur press club to the chief minister’s office. All Working Manipur Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) submitted a memorandum to CM Biren Singh and demanded immediate investigation, protective measures and prompt action.  

Rameshchandra was covering a march by protesters who were internally displaced because of violence, at Akampat area in Imphal East district.

“I was on the other side while the sub-inspector of the Manipur police commando was on the side of protesters. He asked me if I was from the press. I said yes. Then he asked: Why are you journalists taking pictures (videos) of the protest… He kicked and punched me in the face, chest and belly. But I kept telling him that I was from the press and showed him my press card,” Rameshchandra told Newslaundry. 

The journalist identified the SI as Nikhil Singh, and videos of the incident also confirm this. A video purportedly shows Rameshchandra being manhandled by Singh. Another video shows Singh blocking the camera.

Imphal East SP Meghachandra Singh did not respond to calls or a message for comment. This report will be updated if a response is received.

‘Threat to press freedom’

The TV reporter said increasing attacks on journalists are not limited to Manipur but prevalent across the country. On problems faced by journalists in the conflict-ridden state, Rameshchandra said, “Our access to government offices have been denied. We can’t report from the hills. It’s important for a journalist to tell both versions of the story. It’s unfortunate.”

AMWJU secretary general Athokpam Jiten Singh said they have given 48 hours to the state government for visible action. “We have also decided to not cover Manipur police for 48 hours,” he told Newslaundry.

In the memorandum, two journalists’ unions expressed “grave concern”. “We the fraternity take it as a threat and an attempt to suppress the press freedom in the democratic fabric of our society,” it read.

AMWJU and EGM wrote that the officer “intentionally” assaulted the journalist despite showing his press card. They demanded “visible action” from the state government in the next 48 hours; strict instruction to police so that such incidents don’t recur; and bringing the police officer to book.

“These incidents are alarming and concerning,” the letter read.

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