IT News
Imphal, April 15:
The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) expressed strong concerns to the disturbing development in neighbouring country Myanmar where journalists are even persecuted by the Military Junta, which had coup the country on February 1.
“As a journalist body, we are especially alarmed by the fate of the media and media persons in the country. Amidst all this, AMWJU has come to learn that three Mizzima journalists have fled their country and are now taking shelter in Moreh”, said Bijoy Kakchingtabam, President of AMWJU in a statement
AMWJU appealed to the Government of Manipur to give them the respect that journalists are accorded anywhere in the world, and to give them safe passage to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, New Delhi, where they can seek official refugee status under the international convention on refugees.
The Mizzima is an Independent media organisation of Myanmar locals, and the journalists now taking shelter in Moreh are living in fear that they may be pushed back to Myanmar where their life and security would be in great danger. They are also fearful of harassment by Indian security establishment, it added.
He further expressed that it may be recalled that Mizzima is India friendly and in 2018 Mizzima signed an Agreement with the Prasar Bharati for content sharing. This was the first time Prasar Bharati had signed an agreement with a private media house. In June 2020, the Mizzima promoted a musical evening of music from all parts Northeast led by Guru Rewben Mangsaba, and the Manipur Government gave its full backing to them. After the February military coup in Myanmar, the military has taken away the license of Mizzima, arrested several of its journalists, raided the Mizzima office in Yangon, Mayanmar and even froze their bank account in Yangon.But several Mizzima Journalists are still reporting despite the dangers but of those who fled, three have fled taken shelter in Moreh, Manipur.The Ministry of Home (North East Division) New Delhi has sent a letter to the Northeast States bordering Mayanmar stating that no illegal migrants must not be allowed to enter the country. The Memo No 19/2/2020 – NE II dated 10,2021 is with reference to illegal migrants but the Mizzima journalists at Moreh are obviously refugees seeking asylum within India due to persecution In their own country it added.
AMWJU President Bijoy Kakchingtabam further appeal to the Manipur Government to make necessary concessions to allow the Journalists be allowed to come to Imphal and all facility be extended to them so they can proceed to Delhi to seek the protection of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) it added.
