Manipur journalists surrender their I-cards in protest

Imphal, Oct 28 (ANI): Journalists including editors of daily newspapers, periodicals and other media organs here surrendered their identity cards as a mark of protest against inaction by the State Government and the security personnel involved in violation of human rights.

After deciding in a joint meeting of executive members of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and editors of daily newspapers held in the Manipur Press Club, they surrendered their identity cards.

The cards were issued to media persons by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Manipur Government.

"We are surrendering these cards. We will continue with our movement to rectify such attitude of the government," said Jeet Ningomba, Sub-Editor, ISTV, and Manipur.

The decision of surrendering identity cards was taken in protest against continued inaction of the State Government to AMWJU's demand for appropriate action against personnel of Manipur police commandos involved in the physical assault and threatening of two journalists at gun-point on October 10.

"The Manipur Government is not listening to our demand. That's why we are surrendering our cards. Because the atrocity and harassment of Manipur police commando is too much now," said Arun Irengbam, Editor, Ireibak and Secretary, Manipur Press Club.

Scribes said that if the inaction persists the next course of agitation by the scribes would be handing over the Manipur Press Club to the State Government.

The AMWJU has also announced that a rally will be held on Information Day that is on November 1. The organisation has also decided not to accept any award given by the State Government's DIPR.

The mass movement of people over the security personnel's involvement in human rights violations has intensified since September 22. Several rallies have been conducted in all the districts of the state and effigies are regularly burnt. (ANI)