For reporting on Manipur clashes Assam Journalist threatened
Guwahati: While Manipur is reeling under intense violence, a journalist from Assam’s Guwahati was allegedly threatened for covering the incidents.
Afrida Hussain, deputy editor of India Today Northeast (NE) and a senior journalist from the state has made alarming claims of receiving several threatening phone calls and facing a hostile situation.
The alleged harassment is said to be a result of her recent report on violent clashes between security forces and “Arambai militants” in Sugnu, Manipur.
According to Hussain, on May 29, she reported a heavy exchange of fire between security forces and Arambai militants.
The report, along with gruesome scenes of people carrying firearms, was aired on India Today’s prime-time bulletin.
Additionally, she filed a detailed report on the incident exclusively for India Today NE.
Back at her hotel in Imphal, Hussain claimed to have received threatening phone calls from people claiming to be Meiteis, as well as someone claiming to be a top official.
The senior official allegedly indirectly warned her about facing dire consequences for her reporting.
Worryingly, a large gathering formed at her hotel, including individuals who questioned her motives for filing his story.
Sensing a threat to her safety, Hussain immediately informed her superiors of the situation and requested a change of hotel room.
The tense atmosphere continued until the police intervened and successfully dispersed the crowd around 1 am.
Just two hours later, a team of Assam Rifles, whom Hussain had contacted earlier, arrived to take her to safety.
A constant stream of threatening phone calls has left Afrida Hussain in a state of disarray, as she questions the importance of uncovering the truth.
Just two hours later, a team of Assam Rifles, whom Hussain had contacted earlier, arrived to take her to safety.
A constant stream of threatening phone calls has left Afrida Hussain in a state of disarray, as she questions the importance of uncovering the truth.
