Market closed to support journalists' stir

Imphal, Nov 22 (UNI) The main market in the state capital, Khwairamband Keithel remained closed today as a mark of solidarity with the ongoing stir of the journalists.

Women vendors also staged a sit-in protest here at the main market.

There was no newspaper hitting the stand for yet another day today due to the stir against the killing of a journalist. The broadcast of news channels was also stopped for the fourth day by the cable operators.

Large numbers of organisations have expressed solidarity with the journalists and condemned the killing.

The journalists of the state under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) have decided to inform Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and various media organisations about the matter.

AMWJU had already informed Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the Press Council of India and the All India Federation of Working Journalists about the matter and frequent harassment of journalists in the state.

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat was also informed about the matter.

The Chief Minister had assured that the culprits be booked. He also assured compensation and a suitable job to the family members of the victim.

Meanwhile, AMWJU members said they will continue the stir until the perpetrators were identified and proper actions taken by the government in the interest of the journalists.

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