Journalists continue stir in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 28 (UNI) The All Manipur Working Journalists Union(AMWJU) is continuing its stir to protest the killing of a scribe.

The prolonged strike is compelled due to the failure of the government to take up any action to nab the culprits or find out the details of the incident.

The scribes are on stir since November 19, hence there have been no newspapers for the ninth day today and broadcast of all news channels have been stopped for the tenth day.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had given verbal assurance to some media representatives on November 19 to nab those responsible for the killing of the young journalists. However, nothing has materialised so far.

Only after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh intervened and spoke to the Chief Minister, some initiatives were taken up.

The Manipur government has agreed to conduct an enquiry. However, it is not clear if the enquiry will be done by the Manipur Police or the case will be handed over to the CBI.

The matter was also discussed yesterday at the Manipur Press Club and a rally was taken out on Wednesday at Imphal to register a protest against the killing of the young scribe Konsam Rishikanta (23), junior Sub-Editor of an English daily the Imphal Free Press on November 17 at Langol, Imphal West.

The Prime Minister had expressed grave concern over the recent killings of two journalists in Manipur and Assam. Unidentified gunmen shot journalist Jagajit Saikia in Kokrajhar town in Assam on Saturday.

The Prime Minister had spoken to the Chief Ministers of both the states, advising them to take immediate steps for prompt and fair investigations into the killings.

The Prime Minister also asked the Chief Ministers to take adequate measures to ensure the security and safety of all journalists and newsmen in their states.

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

The AMWJU also demanded to ensure sense of security in the minds of journalists and take necessary measures for protection of working journalists of the state.

The journalists also continued their sit-in protest at Keishampat, Imphal.

AMWJU general secretary Biren said the stir will continue until some concrete measures are taken up by the government.

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