The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) on Tuesday condemned the alleged assault on a journalist covering news at Thongju Beni Leirak along National Highway-102 by bandh supporters and obstructions to media persons in carrying out their professional duties.
AMWJU, in a release, said that the union had made fervent appeals to the public ever since the outbreak of violence in the state, not to create obstructions to edia persons who are making all-out efforts to provide news of the ongoing situation to the people.
A reporter of a local news channel was allegedly assaulted by protesters at Thongju Beni Leirak around 10:20 am while covering the news of the 48-hour state-wide bandh called against the arrest of 5 village volunteers, it stated.
"The bandh supporters allegedly grabbed the reporter by his neck and pushed," it said and decried the abusive behaviour meted out towards the journalist by the protesters.
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In addition to the incident, bandh supporters in some areas of two districts of Imphal also reportedly hurled abusive language at media persons covering the news in the areas, the release mentioned. It urged those concerned not to repeat such acts in future.
If the public is suspicious of those covering the news, they can ask for their identity cards and in case of any misconduct, the public can hand it to the authorities concerned or report it to AMWJU, it added.
