Imphal : Journalists in Imphal city took to the streets to protest the brutal assault on a TV reporter by a sub-inspector (SI) of the Manipur police. The incident occurred during the reporter’s coverage of a massive rally organized by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Imphal city of Manipur on Thursday (August 01).

A video of the SI attacking the journalist has been widely circulated on social media across Manipur.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM), the leading journalist organizations in Manipur, condemned the actions of the SI and called for stringent action against him.

During the protest, journalists carried placards reading “Don’t target journalists”, “Respect journalists” and “We want deterrent punishment for the errant police personnel”.

The rally, organized immediately after an emergency meeting of the AMWJU and EGM, began at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal and marched towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

Protesters demanded the termination of Manipur police sub-inspector Sh Nikhil Singh from his position. A memorandum detailing the incident was submitted to Manipur chief minister N Buren Singh.

RC Mangang, a reporter for a local news TV channel, recounted the assault to the media, stating that despite identifying himself with a government-issued press card, the SI struck him six times with his service weapon, causing a bloody nose.

Mangang was subsequently taken to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal city of Manipur for treatment.