Manipur scribes stop newspaper publications to protest threat to comrade

Imphal, July 23 (ANI): Journalists in Manipur on Thursday staged a sit-in protest in solidarity with the decision of the Manipur Hill Journalists' Union ((MHJU), to close down all newspapers publications indefinitely to protest the threat to the life of a journalist.

The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) took the decision after Singlianmang Guite, a reporter of the local 'Sangai Express' received a threat by a militant outfit.

According to a press release issued by the Manipur Hill Journalists' Union, three armed persons, identifying themselves as cadres of the militant outfit Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) intruded into Guite's residence and threatened him on the phone over the publication of a news item.

Condemning the incident, the journalists decided to cease publication of all newspapers affiliated to it. It also appealed to authorities to identify and arrest the culprits.

"As a citizen I feel sad about the incident. We get news from different and far away places of Manipur. It would be a great loss if mass media is threatened and stops functioning," said Rebika Devi, a social worker.

Ten journalists have already been killed by militant outfits in the Manipur.

Over 20 militant groups operate in the State having little over two million people, some demanding freedom and some more political autonomy. (ANI)