In Moreh 8 houses of journalists burn down, damned by AMWJU

Imphal: Miscreants have burnt down the houses of eight journalists in the violence-hit Moreh of Manipur. Journalists work for various government dailies and electronic media houses.

A joint statement by All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) strongly condemned the attack and urged the security forces to respond to the attack.
The statement said there is a heavy presence of Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces in the area where the houses were torched. However, the security personnel did not try to prevent the incident from happening.
The miscreants first ransacked the residence of People’s Chronicle correspondent Lairenlakpam Maipak and S Santipur at Moreh Tali Lambi. After that they set the houses on fire.
Among the other journalists whose houses were burnt were Imphal Free Press Correspondent Ashem Lalit, DDK Correspondent B Ramchandra Sharma, AIR Correspondent Leishangthem Brojendro, ISTV News Correspondent Sagolsem Sanjoy, Impact TV. V’s representatives are Maibam Inaocha and Sanaleibak.
AMWJU and EGM have demanded the government to provide immediate relief to the affected journalists. They has also demanded an impartial investigation into the incident and strict action against the culprits.
Attack on journalists is a serious threat to press freedom in Manipur. It is important that the government takes steps to ensure the safety of journalists and protect their right to freedom of expression,” said a senior journalist.