Imphal: In swift action, a Manipur Police officer has been placed under suspension for physically assaulting a senior journalist in Imphal.
The sub-inspector, identified as Nikhil Singh of Imphal East Commando, was suspended by Imphal East SP K Meghachandra. The suspension order states that a disciplinary proceeding is being contemplated against SI Nikhil Singh of CDO/IE for his grave misconduct, which is not expected from a member of disciplined forces like the police department.
The suspension order will be effective until further notice, said the SP. The order further stated that the headquarters of the suspended police officer would be Reserve Line, Porompat, and he will not leave his headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the Imphal East SP. However, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance as admissible under rules during the period of his suspension.
The incident took place on August 1 when a senior reporter of local news channel Impact TV was assaulted by the police officer despite identifying himself as a journalist while covering the protest rally of IDPs at Akampat in Imphal East. The injured journalist was reportedly admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Strongly condemning the act, members of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) organized a protest from the Press Club of Manipur to the Chief Minister’s residence. The scribes also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh, demanding the identification of the police officer and action within 48 hours.
“Held a meeting with representatives from the Editor Guild of Manipur and AMWJU at my office last night, where I conveyed my profound dissatisfaction regarding the incident that resulted in the injury of a fellow journalist. I assured them that the government will extend all possible assistance and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” CM Biren posted on Facebook earlier.
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