Journalists to stage protest rally on Nov 26

Imphal, Nov 23 (UNI) The journalists of Manipur have decided to carry out a silent rally on November 26 to protest the killing of a scribe even as no newspapers were published in the state for the fourth day today.

All Manipur Working Journalists' Manipur (AMWJU) president S Hemant said mediapersons have demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Representatives of the Editors' Guild discussed the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, he added.

Meanwhile, the broadcast of news channels by local cable television was also stopped for the fifth day today.

Besides, the journalists continued a sit-in protest for the fifth consecutive day at Keishampat, Imphal, to protest the killing of Konsam Rishikanta (23), junior Sub-Editor of an English daily, the Imphal Free Press, by unknown persons on Novemeber 17.

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

The AMWJU had submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister, Press Council of India, various media organisations, Governor Gurbhachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and others.

The Chief Minister had assured to arrest the culprits.

He also assured compensation and employment for the family members of the deceased.

However, the government did not respond to the demand of AMWJU to institute a judicial inquiry to nab the culprits and punish them.

The AMWJU also demanded that the government should award compensation to the bereaved family as per the Centre's scheme for victims of terrorist violence.

The AMWJU also demanded to take necessary measures for protection of working journalists of the state.

The AMWJU said it will continue the stir until the perpetrators were identified and proper action taken up by the government in the interest of the journalists.

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