No respite for journalists from threats, attacks
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: October 17, 2022 -
IT'S both repugnant and worrisome that a day after journalists in Manipur returned to work after ceasing public service for three days in denunciation of the threat and attempt to dictate terms to the media houses from armed outfits, unknown miscreants brutally assaulted a scribe and his three friends for reasons best known to the perpetrators, journalists in the state have been periodically encountering threats and attacks from different quarters regardless of individuals and organisations acknowledging and commending the role and contributions of the journalists to the society.
Even though use of social media is probably at its peak these days, many people still rely on the tried and tested newspapers for getting the official and most accurate information with the electronic media too doing its part in keeping the public updated on daily happenings.
As a human it is understandable when someone from among the journalist fraternity gets involved in brawl and exchanges blows over varied issues but the way video journalist of ISCOM Keithellakpam Likhomba was thrashed by a group of unidentified people with use of deadly weapons suggests that the intention was homicidal.
As stated by All Manipur Working journalists' Union publicity secretary Priyo Achom, Likhomba and three other friends, who were coming in two two-wheelers, were attacked by a group of five to six unidentified people coming in two four-wheelers at Uripok Khaidem Leikai on Friday around 9.40 pm.
The fact that the perpetrators came in four-wheelers and mercilessly thrashed the quartet deepens the suspicion that the attack might be a premeditated assault.
Notwithstanding the secretary's statement that standing committee of the Union deliberated on the matter and resolved to exert pressure on the authorities concerned for arresting and punishing all those involved, it is unlikely that the genuine demand would yield any positive outcome.
Such cynical observation is not without substance for there had been many previous incidents of no less than seven journalists shot dead, shots fired or bombs planted at residences of senior journalists, multiple attacks on offices of newspapers and numerous cases of telephonic threats to media houses but neither the incidents have been solved nor the perpetrators brought to justice.
When law enforcement agencies have proved their efficiency and expertise in unearthing cases of vehicle theft and other petty crimes, the failure to demystify the assassination of journalists and attacks on media houses compels one to question diligence of the police investigators.
Accepted that incidents of assault and unwarranted pressure from different sides to journalists are unavoidable in a conflict situation but it is the failure to nail even one perpetrator out of the numerous acts of crime committed against the media fraternity which is a serious cause of concern for those whose working hours generally extend till late night.
As such, it is imperative that the government authorities accord seriousness to such incidents and work accordingly to at least give the impression that it is there for the safeguard of all the citizens without which it is obvious that unruly elements would be emboldened to prey on the journalists, who are basically the softest target.
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