IT News
Imphal, Dec 28:
Members of the media fraternity across the state have come together to pray for the speedy recovery of video journalist Leimapokpam Kabichandra, who is currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital after sustaining a bullet injury while covering a news report at Thamnapokpi Village in Imphal East on Saturday afternoon.
A large number of journalists gathered at Raj Medicity in North AOC, Imphal, to show solidarity with the injured journalist. According to the hospital authorities, the bullet hit the bone in Kabichandra’s left thigh. An expert team of doctors performed surgery this morning, and his condition is now reported to be stable and out of danger.
Leimapokpam Kabichandra, who works for Impact TV, was struck by a bullet fired by armed Kuki militants while covering a news report alongside other journalists in Thamnapokpi. He was immediately rushed to Raj Medicity for medical attention.
Reports indicate that armed Kuki militants have been targeting Meitei villages, including Sinam, Thamnapokpi Sana Sabi, Shanti Khongbal, and Yaingangpokpi, near the foothills since the morning of December 24. This escalation of violence coincides with the global celebration of Christmas, a time symbolizing peace and humanity.
The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) have strongly condemned the attack on media personnel. Both organizations have urged the government to provide proper protective gear to journalists covering conflicts.
Prominent individuals and organizations have extended their solidarity to Kabichandra and his family. Among them are the Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Th Charanjit; Joint Director Ashokumar; United Committee Manipur (UCM) President YK Dhiren; General Secretary Shanta Nahakpam; COCOMI President Soerendro; members of DESAM; members of the Like-Minded Group (LMG); and members of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (Manipur Chapter), led by Haobijam Rajendra, Managing Director of Raj Medicity.
Meanwhile, reports from the conflict zone reveal that armed miscreants from the Kangpokpi hillside have been resorting to unprovoked firing since December 24. Security forces deployed in the area have retaliated, and exchanges of gunfire continue amidst the presence of a significant number of central security personnel. There have also been allegations that state forces attempting to protect villagers were obstructed by Casper vehicles of the central security forces. On December 26, two individuals – a civilian and a state force member – sustained bullet injuries in the ongoing violence.
