Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 29 2010:
Whereas KCP-MTF (Sunil Meitei) has claimed responsibility for killing Utlou Zilla Parishad Member Thokchom Sanayaima (Sanayanba) through a press release issued by its publicity secretary named Sunil Meetei, a S/S chief commander of the an outfit with the same name has contended that Sunil Meetei was only helping the party from outside and that he was never enrolled in the party.
Sunil Meetei clarified that Sanayaima was killed not in relation to any monetary but for being an advisor to a gang.
Even as Sanayaima was given ample opportunities to mend his ways, he remained unchanged.
As such, he was awarded capital punishment for he remained adamant, Sunil Meetei said.
The tussle within KCP-MTF was the main reason for suspending the publication of news papers and broadcasting of local cable news from October 27 to October 29, said a press release issued by AMWJU.
On October 26, some persons barged into newspaper offices and asked the journalists to talk with one of their men through telephone.
The one at the other end identified himself as a cadre of KCP-MTF and without giving any reason, asked the media houses to suspend newspaper publication.
On being enquired as to why and how long newspaper publication should be suspended, the man only said, "our seniors are holding a meeting.
No newspaper should be published until the meeting is over otherwise, editors, reporters and even hawkers would be shot dead", he threatened.
Later in night, a meeting of the Editors was convened and decided to suspend newspaper publication and call a meeting of all journalists the next day.
But in the eleventh hour, Kesho Meitei informed that newspapers may be published provided the statement of Sunil Meitei is left out.
On October 27, AMWJU held a meeting and resolved to boycott Kesho Meitei group in condemnation of his act of threatening newspaper offices by using his men.
Subsequently, media fraternity of the State staged a protest demonstration on October 28 and marched towards the Chief Minister's office where a memorandum was submitted.
A detailed account of the hazards and difficulties being encountered by journalists of the State was also presented before the Chief Minister.
In response, the Chief Minister assured stringent security measures like enhanced frisking, checking and patrolling exercises at strategic points.
After this, AMWJU decided to call off their agitation with effect from October 29 .
Pointing that the primary duty of media is dissemination of information to the public, not recognition or non-recognition of any group, AMWJU clarified that all efforts to disseminate information to the public do not carry any ill-feeling to any individual or group.
Henceforth, any malicious intention or action targeting AMWJU functionaries would be taken as a challenge to AMWJU.
Regretting the inconveniences caused to the public due to non-publication of newspapers for the last three days, AMWJU appealed to all sections of the society to help in averting such unwanted incidents in future.