A journalist linked to a media outlet in Manipur has reportedly been threatened by unidentified individuals wielding arms, allegedly in response to the publication of specific news. Urgent calls have been made by journalistic circles for swift government action against the perpetrators, with a five-day deadline imposed.
The incident occurred on May 9, when a group of around ten armed individuals purportedly confronted Khumanthem Dhanachandra, a reporter for the Imphal Times. The assailants, reportedly dressed in combat attire and armed with sophisticated weaponry, arrived at Dhanachandra’s residence in Naoremthong, located in the Imphal West district, around 8:45 pm. Disturbingly, as Dhanachandra was not present, the threats were directed at his family members.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) swiftly convened an emergency meeting. In a joint statement, both organizations strongly condemned the incident and urged the state government to take immediate legal action against the culprits within five days.
According to the statement issued by AMWJU and EGM, a group of heavily armed individuals visited Dhanachandra’s residence on May 9 at approximately 8:45 pm, intimidating him. Dhanachandra, who is also a member of AMWJU’s Right to Information (RTI) Cell, was reportedly asked to meet the armed individuals at a specific location in Imphal West at 10 am on May 10.
The armed individuals, reportedly arriving in three vehicles, claimed that the incident was aimed at silencing the media, an act deemed highly regrettable and condemnable. Both EGM and AMWJU have emphasized the seriousness of the incident, urging authorities to take appropriate legal action against those responsible within the stipulated timeframe of five days.
Furthermore, the statement urged against future threats to media personnel and stressed the importance of respecting the code of conduct and local regulations set by AMWJU. Dissatisfied individuals or groups were encouraged to seek resolution through dialogue with the media firm, concerned editor, or AMWJU and EGM.
