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August 06, 2024 – India –
Broadcast journalist Mutum Rameshchandra (known as RC Mangang) of Impact TV was violently assaulted by a sub-inspector of the Manipur Police as he covered a protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Akampat, Imphal East. Despite clearly identifying himself as press and showing his ID card, SI Nikhil Singh allegedly punched him multiple times, tore his shirt, broke his phone, and threatened him.
Rameshchandra was hospitalized at Raj Medicity with facial injuries and trauma. The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), and other regional journalist bodies swiftly organized a silent march from the Manipur Press Club to the Chief Minister’s residence, delivering a memorandum demanding accountability within 48 hours.
Within days, the Manipur government suspended the sub-inspector, barring him from leaving the district and placing him on reserve line duty pending further investigation. The memorandum also called for an official inquiry, medical expense reimbursement, insurance cover for journalists, and legal safeguards.
In protest, local media outlets initiated a 48-hour boycott of all coverage related to the Manipur Police and state government—a collective action aimed at pressuring authorities for visible and decisive action. Journalists emphasized that such a direct physical attack on a journalist wearing credentials is a blatant threat to press freedom and democracy .
The IFJ, along with the Indian Journalists Union and NUJ-India, condemned the assault and urged central and state governments to uphold constitutional protections for journalists, especially in conflict zones. They demanded systemic changes to ensure journalist safety and prevent similar incidents nationwide.
This high-profile case highlights the vulnerability of media professionals in volatile regions like Manipur. The aggressive response underscores deeper issues: hostility toward the free press, lack of institutional accountability, and the need for robust legal protections. Journalists and unions continue to push for a transparent inquiry, disciplinary measures against the sub-inspector, and long-term policies safeguarding press freedom in India.
Reference –
https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=27..020824.aug24
India: Broadcast journalist assaulted while covering rally – IFJ
