IT News
Imphal, Dec 29:
The Manipur International Youth Center (MIYC) condemned the attack on journalist Kabi of Impact TV, who was targeted in Sanasabi Village, Manipur, on December 28, 2024. According to MC Meetei, Coordinator of MIYC, Kabi, wearing a press jacket, was deliberately shot by a sniper at 7:30 am, an act allegedly committed by Kuki militants. The MIYC called it a blatant violation of international laws designed to protect journalists and civilians in conflict zones.
Journalists are granted civilian protection under international humanitarian law, including Article 79 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits attacks on media personnel in conflict areas unless they participate in hostilities.
UN Security Council Resolutions 2222 and 1738 further emphasize the protection of journalists and denounce violence against them. The sniper attack on Kabi, a non-combatant, violates these statutes, with MIYC categorizing it as an act of terrorism under international law. Such actions aim to intimidate the press and obstruct information dissemination, threatening transparency and accountability.
The MIYC underscored the global risks journalists face in conflict zones, citing data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In other conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war, numerous journalists have been killed, reflecting the dangers media personnel endure while ensuring public access to information.
MIYC urged the Indian government to investigate the attack impartially, called on all parties in Manipur to uphold international laws, and appealed to the global community to enhance protections for journalists. They also implored the Kuki militants to cease violent activities, emphasizing that targeting journalists undermines the moral legitimacy of any cause.
Expressing solidarity with Kabi and other journalists, MIYC highlighted the critical role of press freedom in safeguarding democracy and fostering accountability.
