Journalists in Manipur will stage a one-day strike on Friday in response to the recent burning of press materials, including newsprint, by unidentified miscreants in Kangpokpi. The protest, organized by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM), aims to condemn the attack and demand accountability from the state government.
The decision to strike was made during an emergency meeting held at Loktak Hall in the Manipur Press Club. The two media organizations released a joint statement expressing their outrage over the incident and holding the state government, Security Advisor, and Director General of Police (DGP) responsible for failing to ensure the safe transport of press materials. They emphasized the critical role of free press in a democratic society and urged authorities to take immediate action to prevent such attacks in the future.
The materials targeted in the attack were being transported from Guwahati to Imphal when they were set ablaze. This incident is the latest in a series of threats and obstructions faced by media personnel in the state. The AMWJU and EGM highlighted ongoing issues along the National Highways, particularly the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur routes, where trucks carrying press materials have been subject to extortion and threats from unidentified individuals.
In their statement, the media bodies criticized the state government for its failure to provide adequate security along these routes, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East) (IGAR-E). They called for the replacement of IGAR-E with the Red Shield Division of the Army or IGAR-S to ensure better monitoring and protection of press materials and personnel.
The strike will involve all print and broadcast media in the state, effectively halting news production for the day. In addition to the work stoppage, a protest will be held at 10 a.m. at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, where journalists, printing staff, and media personnel will gather to voice their demands for justice and increased security.
The AMWJU and EGM have also called on the state government to compensate for the loss of press materials and to take swift action against those responsible for the attack. They reiterated their commitment to upholding the principles of press freedom and ensuring that the media can operate without fear of violence or intimidation.
This protest marks a significant moment for the press in Manipur, as journalists unite to defend their rights and demand greater protection from the state. The outcome of this strike and the government’s response will likely have long-lasting implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists in the region.
