MHJU Condemns Killing of Journalist in Imphal

Office of the
Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU)
Lamka: Manipur
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PRESS COMMUNIQUE
Lamka, the 24th December, 2012
 
Condemning the killing of TV Journalist Thangjam
Dwijamani Singh by the State Police

 

The Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU) is shock to hear over the brutal killing of a TV journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Singh alias Nanao on Sunday (December 23) during the police firing in the state capital, Imphal. 

Nanao Singh (29), a reporter of Guwahati-based, ‘Prime News’ channel sustained bullet injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital the same evening. It is sad that a journalist died at the hands of the police. The callousness of the police has taken a precious life. This is a grim reminder of the insecurity of the media persons in Manipur. 

While the police are expected to provide security to the media persons, yet, many a time, the police or the security forces became the killers. It is alarming that the journalists are being targeted while performing their daily duties.  The ugly incident clearly reflects the insecurity of state journalists in times of crisis or violence. 

The State Government must provide security to the journalists, who often struggles between the deep seas -- army and underground outfits.  It is sad that the lives of the journalists are not safe at all in any violence related situations in the State of Manipur. The media, which is considered to be the fourth pillar of democratic country, is at stake now, which shows the journalists are in great threats and dangers. 

We, Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU) condemned the killing of Nanao Singh in the strongest possible term.  It is an unspeakable and unpardonable action. Stringent action should be taken against the police who cold bloodedly shot dead the journalist and must be punished accordingly. We urged Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to order a probe into the incident and to give compensation to the family of the slain journalist. We send our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. 

While condemning the molestation on actress Momoko by one NSCN-IM cadre named Livingstone Anal on December 18 at a public event in Chandel district, we also urged the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to lift the ‘indefinite bandh’ which disrupted the Christmas moods and activities in the State. As we all know Christmas is the greatest festival of the Christians all over theworld, it may not be healthy to disrupt or disturb the Christmas festival. 

Issued in public interest
S. NENGKHANLUN
Secretary,
Manipur Hills Journalist Union (MHJU)
Lamka, Manipur

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