Journalists are on the warpath in Manipur to protest against activities of rebel groups in the State.
By Sanjay Kumar
Imphal, Aug 18 : Journalists are on the warpath in Manipur to protest against activities of rebel groups in the State.
The editor of a local newspaper received a grenade shell in his mail, which prompted all newspapers offices to remain closed for four days.
The journalists want the government to take stern measures against the insurgents.
They marched to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh's official residence to register their protest.
S Hemanta, a journalist, said: "We are trying to create awareness among people that they are not afraid of voicing their protest against the militants."
Koijam Sunita, another journalist, said "I take it as an action against the entire people of Manipur, not only against journalists."
Residents like Themba and Khuslam Binod expressed anguish over the non-availability of newspapers, saying they were crucial from an information and a job-seeking point of view.
The media has been under attack for some time. In February 2006, militants injured the Bureau Chief of a Manipur daily, 'Ratan Luwangcha'.
In April 2006, six local editors were held captive for days by rebel groups. A revivalist organisation, Meelal last year ordered local newspapers to print their material in ancient Manipuri script, Mayek.
A local militant group, the Peoples Revolutionary Army of Kangleipak or Prepak, is alleged to be behind the latest attack on the media.
ANI