Armed Miscreants Threaten Manipur Journalist, Prompting Press Fraternity’s Demand for Swift Action

On May 9, a disturbing incident unfolded in Naoremthong, Imphal West district, as around 10 armed miscreants allegedly threatened Khumanthem Dhanachandra, a reporter with Imphal Times, at his residence.

Despite Dhanachandra’s absence, the armed individuals intimidated his family members, raising alarm within the journalist community.

Responding decisively, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) swiftly convened an emergency meeting.

In a joint statement, both organizations vehemently condemned the incident and called upon the state government to take legal action against the culprits within five days.

According to reports, the armed miscreants, dressed in combat attire and brandishing sophisticated weapons, demanded Dhanachandra’s presence at a designated location in Imphal West on May 10.

This brazen act of intimidation aimed at suppressing media freedom is deemed unacceptable and requires immediate redress.

Expressing deep concern, AMWJU and EGM stressed the urgent need for authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists.

The statement underscored the gravity of the situation, urging all stakeholders to uphold press freedom and refrain from threatening media personnel.Furthermore, the press fraternity emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and adherence to journalistic principles.

AMWJU and EGM reaffirmed their commitment to responsible journalism while advocating for the protection of media professionals.In anticipation of swift action, the press fraternity remains vigilant.

Failure to address the issue within the specified timeframe could lead to heightened protests and increased agitation, highlighting the urgency of the matter.