Ukhrul, 25 September (MTNews): The Ukhrul District Working Journalist Association (UDWJA) expressed strong resentment regarding the conduct of the 24 Assam Rifles stationed at the COB in Ramva, Ukhrul District, Manipur. This protest arises from an incident that occurred on 25 September 2023, at approximately 08:12 am when one of UDWJA’s active members was subjected to unnecessary harassment by Subedar Kamla Pati Joshi of the 24 Assam Rifles’ Shangshak Battalion at the Ramva Check Post.
The journalist in question serves as the Ukhrul District correspondent for Ukhrul Times, ISTV, and The Frontier Manipur, and the incident unfolded while he was en route to Imphal.
UDWJA has strongly criticized the behavior exhibited by Subedar Kamla Pati Joshi, a responsible army officer, as “uncalled for and very unfortunate.” The association stressed that such conduct is the least expected from a security force personnel, especially considering that the journalist had identified himself as a member of the media.
Despite this, UDWJA alleged that he was questioned about his resemblance to a high-ranking leader from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM). In response to the journalist’s request, Subedar Joshi presented a photo of the NSCN-IM leader from his mobile phone. Following a verbal exchange, the journalist was eventually permitted to proceed to Imphal, but only after the details of his vehicle were duly recorded.
In light of this incident, UDWJA has strongly condemned the actions of the 24 Assam Rifles’ Shangshak Battalion and has resolved not to cover any events or programs involving the 24 Assam Rifles until the concerned authorities “rectify the misdeed.”