Editors urge PM to order CBI probe into Manipur scribes' killings

New Delhi, Nov 21 (UNI) Expressing serious concern over the killing of a young journalist Konsam Rishikant Singh in Manipur on November 17, the Editors Guild today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to order a CBI inquiry into the matter.

Singh, who was 22-years-old, was working as junior sub editor with the Imphal free press. His killing is the latest in the series of killing of five journalists in the state.

''The Guild requests you to take personal interest in the situation in Manipur and if necessary, order a CBI investigation into the murder of journalists. It requests you to direct the government of Manipur as well as the central security forces, including the Army, operating in Manipur, to ensure that newspapers and journalists are given full protection,'' it said in a statement here.

The Guild drew the Prime Minister's attention to the fact that the newspapers of Manipur had decided to shut down publication as there was no security available to newspapers, editors and journalists.

''Journalistic organisations have raised concerns about involvement of the security forces in the murder of Rishikant Singh, and have sought a judicial inquiry,'' the letter said.

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