Imphal, October 28 2009: Following reports of the State Government effecting transfer of two personnel of Manipur Police commando in connection with the verbal abuse and physical assault of two journalists on October 10 night, a delegation of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union called on the Chief Minister this evening to discuss on the boycott of news items concerning development programme of the SPF Government.

On the otherhand, a general body meeting of AMWJU has been convened tomorrow at 11 pm at the Manipur Press Club to deliberate on the matter.

According to a statement issued tonight by AMWJU, the two commando personnel of Imphal West district whose transfer were effected are Jamadar Yangambam Raju and constable (No 06012830) L Rabikumar.

While both were moved to Lamshang police station, Jamadar N Pritamkumar, who is attached as commando officer in Lamshang PS along with constable Thangboi Mangte have been transferred to Imphal West district police.

Retracting from the previous stand of the State scribes not to enter into any sort of negotiation with the State Government till a visible action has been taken against the police commandos involved in the thrashing of the two journalists, an AMWJU team led by its vice president called on the Chief Minister and discussed on the development in the presence of other senior Ministers, Commissioner (Home) and DGP.

The DGP Y Joykumar conceded to the AMWJU team taking into account the prevailing law and order uncertainty and the fact that some mediapersons were found to be close to banned armed groups the police are constrained to adopt some tough measures that may hurt sentiment of journalists.

Even though the DGP contended that there are certain disparity in the report submitted to him with regard to the October 10 compared to the charges levelled by the journalists, he conveyed that for the betterment of all the issue be settled amicably.

While assuring that police personnel would be instructed to strictly adhere to disciplinary norms, Joykumar also suggested that senior journalists advice younger scribes so as to avoid recurrence of any unwanted incident.

Pointing out that law and order problem in the State should not a factor for police personnel to harass or abuse journalists, the AMWJU delegation desired that in case any journalist are found to be erring actions may be taken under relevant laws of the land rather than the police personnel delivering instant justice.

On his part the Chief Minister assured to take all possible measure so as to avoid fissures between the law enforcing agencies and the scribes.

The AMWJU also urged all the mediapersons to attend tomorrow's special general body meeting in time.

Meanwhile, Social activist and Advocate Khaidem Mani, who was among a four member team of Senior Citizens for Society, that called on Chief Minister O Ibobi today said certain top police officials have been transferred which he opined is paving the way for negotiation on the current impasse.

He observed that transfer of the top police officials is a positive move in bringing about a positive settlement to the deadlock.

Speaking to newspersons after coming from the CM's residence this evening, Kh Mani maintained that transfer of police officials reflects state Government's intention to hold talks with representatives of various organisations who had been spearheading public movements against police high-handedness in the aftermath of the July 23 firing incident.

Expressing that the transfer of the police officials is an indication of the Government's desire to find an amicable solution to the current impasse that had been severely affecting normal life in the State, the Advocate said such a move is an encouraging sign to bring the agitating Apunba Lup, student bodies such as the AMSU, MSF, KSA and the JACs of Th Rabina Devi and Ch Sanjit to come to the negotiating table.

Even though he stated that there is strong possibility that talks between the Government and the agitating bodies might take place within October 30, Kh Mani nevertheless declined to comment on what actually transpired during the meeting of the Senior Citizens' team with the CM.

Meanwhile, informed sources said that significant changes had been effected through transfer and posting of numerous police officials today.

It is informed that transfer and posting of top police officials of Imphal East and West districts were effected apart from shuffling Officers-in-charge of City Police and Thoubal Police Station.

Accordingly, Senior SP of Imphal west district L Kailun (IPS/MT-94) has been transferred as SSP of Imphal East district while SP (IE) Th Radheshyam Singh (MPS) will assume charge as SP of Imphal West, with immediate effect.

Moreover, AK Jhalajit Singh, who was the Additional SP (Ops) of Imphal West has been allocated the same post in Imphal east district with M Rajen Singh replacing AK Jhalajit in the same post at Imphal West district.

On the otherhand, Inspector Y Munal Singh has been transferred as Officer in-charge of Thoubal police station and will be supplanted by Inspector RK Tejbir Singh, as the Officer in-charge of City Police.

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