IT News
Imphal, Aug 5:
Responding to a policy cut motion while discussion for the demand for grant of the Information and Publicity Department, raised by K. Meghachandra of the Indian National Congress (INC) over threats faced by journalists in the Manipur Assembly today, IPR Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh said that investigations are ongoing against those responsible for threatening Imphal Times journalist Khumanthem Dhanachandra and Naharolgi Thoudang editor Khoirom Loyalakpa.
K. Meghachandra stated in the Manipur Assembly today the “inability to provide a safe and secure environment for journalists to perform their duties.” He emphasized the crucial role of the media as the bridge between the government and the people and stressed that civil society organizations and government machineries should not disturb the media.
K. Meghachandra brought to attention the case of Imphal Times journalist Khumanthem Dhanachandra, who was threatened by unknown armed miscreants. He questioned the Assembly about the actions taken in response to this threat. He also mentioned Loyalakpa Khoirom, editor of Naharolgi Thoudang, who faced threats, was followed, and had his home shot at. Meghachandra inquired about the investigations into these incidents.
On August 1, RC Mamang, a reporter for Impact TV, was assaulted by police officials while covering a rally by Internally Displaced Persons in the Akampat area. K. Meghachandra acknowledged the government’s swift action in suspending the responsible official and praised this decision. He stressed the importance of press freedom, citing India’s low ranking of 159 out of 180 in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, and called for improvements in Manipur.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, IPR Minister, acknowledged that journalists serve as a bridge between the government and the people. He noted that 106 journalists have been issued press cards by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and emphasized that the government addresses issues regarding their welfare and mobility. He assured that the Home Department is taking necessary actions for journalists’ safety, though he admitted that unfortunate incidents do occur.
Regarding the threats to the Imphal Times journalist and the Naharolgi Thoudang editor, Dr. Sapam Ranjan confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The Superintendent of Police personally investigated the case concerning the Naharolgi Thoudang editor, while investigations continue into the threats against Khumanthem Dhanachandra to apprehend the responsible individuals.
In the case of RC Mamang, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh mentioned that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh met with leaders of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild and promised necessary actions, which have since been implemented.
