A Manipur police officer, Sub-Inspector (SI) Nikhil Singh, has been suspended after assaulting journalist RC Mangang during a mass rally held by internally displaced individuals on August 1. The suspension follows disciplinary measures by the Superintendent of Police, Imphal East District, citing “grave misconduct” that violated the standards expected of a police officer. The order is effective immediately and falls under Rule No. 66 of the Assam Police Manual Part-III.
While suspended, SI Singh must stay at the Reserve Line headquarters in Porompat and cannot leave without prior permission. He will receive subsistence allowances during this period.
The assault on Mangang triggered a protest led by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM). Journalists marched from the Manipur Press Club to the Chief Minister’s bungalow, where AMWJU and EGM representatives submitted a memorandum demanding stringent action against the officer.
Mangang recounted the incident, stating that he was at the Akampat relief camp in Imphal East with his crew to cover the rally when the Sub-Inspector approached him, questioning his filming activities. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Mangang was assaulted before he could show his press card. The officer reportedly punched Mangang multiple times, broke his mobile phone, tore his shirt, and issued death threats. Mangang sustained injuries and required medical attention at Raj Medicity.
Y Rupachandra, Chief Editor of IMPACT TV and General Secretary of EGM, condemned the violent act, asserting that the media fraternity stands united against this assault. Following the protest, media representatives met with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who condemned the incident and assured that the Director General of Police (DGP) would investigate the case thoroughly.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-police-officer-suspended-for-assaulting-journalist-1063842-2024-08-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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