New Delhi, 17 April, 2021: The Indian Journalists Union shares concerns with its affiliates, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) over unfortunate developments in neighbouring  Myanmar. It joins AMWJU to urge to the Manipur government to allow entry of 3 Mizzima journalists to Imphal, who fled their country and are taking shelter in Moreh.

The IJU said media and journalists have earned respect across the globe and that the State government should give the three journalists safe passage to the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees, New Delhi, where they can seek official refugee status under the International Convention on Refugees.

The Mizzima is an independent media organization of Myanmar locals, and the journalists, taking shelter in Moreh are living in fear that they may be pushed back to Myanmar where their life and security is under grave danger. The AMWJU recalls that Mizzima is India-friendly and in 2018 its signed an agreement with Prasar Bharati for content sharing.

The IJU expressed concern that after the coup in Myanmar, the military has taken away the licence of Mizzima, arrested several of its journalists, raided the Mizzima offices in Yangon and even froze their bank account. However, many journalists are still bravely carrying out their duties.

In a statement, IJU President and former member Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General and International Federation of Journalists’ Vice President Sabina Inderjit said that the Manipur government should make necessary concessions to allow the journalists to come to Imphal and all facilities to be extended to them despite the Ministry of Home writing a letter to the North-East state bordering Myanmar stating that the no illegal migrants be allowed to enter the country.