Imphal: On way to covering the violence at New Checkon area in Imphal three journalists were allegedly assaulted by the men in uniform—this has triggered a fresh storm in violence-hit Manipur where the press bodies warned of boycotting all press releases and press conferences of both the central paramilitary forces and Army if they fail to bring the culprits to book.

Taking note of this complaint All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union (MJHU) too have echoed the same feelings and called for the suspension of all those personnel who were involved in that incident.

“The journalists were just carrying out their duties risking their lives. We are here to serve the state because the journalists are looking to take the ground reports to the doorsteps of one and all. The security establishment needs to take note of our demands,” warned the press bodies of Manipur.

It also needs to be mentioned here that the press bodies have reportedly shot off a letter to the security advisor of Manipur government, retired IPS officer Kuldiep Singh and demanded for his immediate intervention in this case. The journalists were accused of pelting stones at the drone used for the purpose of recce by the security forces.

“This is a blatant lie. We never indulged in such sort of activities. The security forces are simply trying to put their words into our mouth,” read the letter signed by the joint press bodies of Manipur.

The press bodies reiterated its demand for immediate suspension of all those personnel who allegedly assaulted the journalists else they will choose the path of ‘boycotting’ press releases and press conferences of the security forces who are deployed in trouble-torn Manipur that has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3.