Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 27, 2009:
The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) has strongly condemned the act of storming into the offices of Sangai Express, Poknapham and Naharolgee Thoudang by a large group of 200/300 people from Thoubal Leishangthem and Thoudam in Thoubal Assembly Constituency and creating scenes of intimidation inside the offices on the evening of September 25. A press release of the AMWJU charged that the group of people from areas in Thoubal AC was brought to the offices of the newspapers under the protection of the police, and in violation of Section 144 CrPC.
The incident was said to be related to a particular news item on the poster campaign and rally of the Apunba Lup published in the newspapers.
Further, the AMWJU condemned the distribution of a pamphlet entitled "Lanna Paothokpiba Laibak Theebani" (Wrong propagation unfortunate) under the name of the residents of Leishangthem and Thoudam by a few people with the protection of police today, which attempts to malign the newspapers and newspersons.
According to the press release, AMWJU feels that it was a direct attack on the media by a few people who support the Chief Minister, misusing the police who exist to protect law.
The press release further informed that until and unless the Indira Memorial Club ( Leishangthem), Thoudam Wangmataba Womens Development Association, Kop Ningthou Development Committee (Thoudam Mamang Leikai), Leishangthem Wangmataba Youth Club, Youth Welfare Association (Leishangthem), Leishangthem Young Sporting Association, Social Development Organisation (Erong Thokchom), Women United Development Organisation (Leishangthem), Women Development Association (Leishangthem Makha) and Youth Centre (Leishangthem) withdraw the charges levelled against the newspapers and apologise, the AMWJU has decided not to publish any statement/press release issued by these organisations.
Moreover, AMWJU informed the newspapers to paste up the list of the said organisations in the media offices in bold letters and also reject their press releases.