Appeal made to withdraw restrictions on journalists

Imphal, Jun 24 (UNI) The Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) has appealed to militant organisations to withdraw all sorts of threats and restrictions imposed on mediapersons.

It also appealed to the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) to withdraw its decision of suspending newspaper publications on June 26.

Frequent threats led to the stoppage of publication of newspapers in the state and suspension of cable news service.

On June 15 and 16, the journalists had struck work in the state following threats by militants.

The news services of the local cable network ISTV was also suspended yesterday.

Meanwhile, the journalists of Manipur have decided to meet for a special session on June 25 to discuss the situation in the state especially the threats given to the media fraternity from various quarters.

Some militant organisations had threatened the journalists of dire consequences if their news articles were not published following which the print media fraternity struck work for two days recently to protest the threats.

The journalists alleged that telephonic intimidation was also given to the general secretary of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU).

The agenda of the meeting to be held on June 25 will include the government's notice pertaining to the prohibition of publication of any news articles related to proscribed organisations and the frequent threats to the mediapersons in the state by armed militant outfits.

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