IMPHAL, May 19: Anyone trying to defame or tarnish the image of media fraternity of the state will not be spared, said All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union Vice President Ratan Luwangcha at a media briefing held at Manipur Press Club today.
Union President W Shamjai said that in the ongoing riots regarding the recent killing of one student by the state security force, an individual was caught posing as a reporter. He is identified as one Konsam Anthony, 20, son of K Budhajit of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai.
During the ongoing public agitation at Khurai today, Anthony was gathering report with a still camera on his Hero Honda Motor cycle bearing registration no MNO1D 9256 claiming to be a photojournalist of `People`™s Chronicle`™.
On receiving information from scribes gathering reports at the site, an AWMJU team rushed to the spot and found the person to be a fake reporter. He was handed over to the police without further delay.
Lamenting the incident, President Syamjai further said that the same case occurred on 15 May, in the public agitation at Patsoi where two of individuals including one non local were found capturing video footages of the riot within the curfew imposed area. Suspicious on their behavior, police enquired on them and they replied as being freelance reporters. When they failed to produce any valid papers identifying themselves as media, other press reporter present in the spot were inquired to identify them by the police. Later, they were found to be bogus scribes.
President W Shamjai said that it was regrettable that the next day, a news article was carried that those persons were doing their duty legitimately, according to a press release from Television and Film Foundation, Manipur.
Shamjai clarified that in the sensitive area where curfew and CrPc 144 was imposed, they should have identified themselves as filmmakers instead of posing as journalists.
AWMJU President warns those possessing fake press ID card and having sticker of a `PRESS`™ on vehicles. He said that those working at private printing presses are not the news reporters. He appealed that such individuals should not tarnish the image of news reporters.
Further, AWMJU General Secretary ,Jit Ningombam said that it was unfortunate the KSO has banned ISTV and Sangai Express. He calls for a dialogue with AWMJU with KSO to bring an amicable solution regarding the incident and AWMJU will try its level best to bring to an understanding on the issue.