Imphal: Nearly a dozen people sustained injuries following clashes between Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and security forces near Akampat Relief Camp in Imphal East on Thursday morning.
Approximately 2000 IDPs from various relief camps, including Akampat, Wangjing, Lilong, Porompat, and Hiyangthang, gathered at Akampat Ideal Girl College, which has been converted into a relief camp (Akampat Relief Camp), to hold a peace rally demanding their return to their original homes.
As the IDPs emerged from the camp, police and security personnel stationed nearby fired over 100 tear gas shells and live rounds from AK-47 rifles to disperse the crowd.
In the ensuing chaos, nearly a dozen people, including four school students and one local reporter, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.
Ethnic violence in the state which started in May 2023 has so far claimed 226 lives and left over 59,000 people displaced, officials said.
Journalists Demand Action Against Police Officer
Imphal: Nearly six dozen journalists held a silent protest rally against the alleged brutal attack on RC Mangang, a local reporter for Impact TV, by a policeman. The incident occurred while Mangang was covering a rally conducted by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Imphal on Thursday.
Mangang was allegedly assaulted by a policeman identified as Nikhil Kh. while reporting at Akampat, Imphal East. Reports indicate that Mangang sustained injuries to his chin and is currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity in Imphal.
In response to the incident, a delegation led by All Manipur Working Journalists Union President Bijoy Kakchingtabam and Editors Guild Manipur General Secretary Y. Rupachandra met with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. They submitted a memorandum demanding immediate action against the policeman involved. The Chief Minister assured the delegation that action would be taken against the officer within 24 hours.
UDWJA Condemns Assault on Journalist
Imphal: The Ukhrul District Working Journalist Association (UDWJA) vehemently condemns the reprehensible actions of the police officer (SI) who assaulted Impact TV reporter RC. Mangang, a journalist covering the IDPs rally. Such an attack on the press, a crucial pillar of democracy, is an unacceptable affront to free speech and accountability, stated a press note from the President of UDWJA.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern in the state, where journalists are frequently harassed and assaulted by security forces. The UDWJA demands immediate and exemplary action from the authorities to prevent any recurrence of such misconduct.
The UDWJA stands in solidarity with the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) and the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), pledging full support for any future actions if the government fails to meet their clear demands for justice and the protection of press freedom, the press note added.
