New Delhi/Imphal, 28 July 2023: The Indian Journalists Union joins its affiliate, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) in strongly condemning the burning down of houses belonging to Moreh correspondents of Imphal-based media houses by a Kuki mob on Wednesday last. 

According to information received by the two journalist organisations, among the 30 houses burnt down by the mob in different locations of the Indo-Myanmar border town, at least eight belong to correspondents: Lairenlakpam Maipak (Poknapham) at Moreh Tali Road, S. Santipur (Naharolgi Thoudang) of the same Leikai, Asem Lalit (Imphal Free Press) of Moreh, Heinoumakhong, B. Ramchandra (DDK News) of Moreh Bazaar, Leishangthem Brojendro (AIR) of Moreh Premnagar, Sagolsem Sanjoy (ISTV), Maibam Inaocha (Impact TV), and Yumnam Mangang (Sanaleibak) all from Moreh Turel Wangma. Their houses were already looted before the July 26 incident, and they are now residing in Imphal-based relief camps. 

At the time of the incident, paramilitary forces, including the Assam Rifles, were deployed in and around the said areas. But the security forces did not attempt to control the mob, and the ‘security advisor of Manipur Government is answerable’. 

In statement IJU President and former member, Press Council of India Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General, Vice President, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and President FAPaJ Sabina Inderjit said the burning down of journalists houses is most unfortunate, as the media plays a critical role in keeping citizens informed, particularly in conflict areas. The IJU demanded that the journalists be provided safety and the demands of its affiliates are met urgently.