IMPHAL, December 24: The Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) has in a statement expressed its shock over the brutal killing of a TV journalist Thangjam Dwijamani Singh alias Nanao on Sunday (December 23) during the police firing in the state capital of Imphal.
A press release from the Union said that that the manner of Nanao`s death is a grim reminder of the insecurity of the media persons in Manipur. “It is alarming that journalists are being targeted while performing their daily duties. The ugly incident clearly reflects the insecurity of state journalists in times of crisis or violence.” the statement said.
Calling for stringent action to be taken against the police who cold bloodedly shot dead the journalist, the Union urged the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, to order a probe into the incident and to give compensation to the family of the slain journalist.
The statement further said that the Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) has not been allowed to attend the condolence of its fraternity by the bandh supporters which indeed is a disrespectful act for the media voice and its freedom. It further appealed to the Film Forum Manipur (FFM) and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council to lift the ‘indefinite bandh’ which has disrupted the Christmas moods and activities in the State.
Meanwhile, the Senapati District Working Journalists Association has deeply mourned the untimely death of Thangjam Dwijamai alias Nanao while on duty saying that he was a promising and upcoming journalist of the state. In its statement, the Association has condemned the home department and the police personnel involved in the firing that led to the death of Nanao.