IMPHAL, Aug 7 : In a shocking incident armed miscreants attacked an evening local paper, Paojel, this evening.
The incident occurred around 7.15 pm amidst the ongoing curfew when four of the newspaper’s staff, including the editor, were inside the office. A bullet hit the glass door of the office but no casualty was reported due to the attack. Further, it was reported that a banging sound was heard by some of the nearby residents and during the time of the incident it was reported that a vehicle was seen hurrying away past the office which is located just near the Tiddim road.
On receiving the information, many police officials including the SSP Imphal West district and Thongju MLA, Bijoy Koijam, arrived at the scene and made enquiries. The media fraternity, including the executives of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) also arrived at the scene.
While briefing the mediapersons, the SSP Imphal West district, L Kailun, observed that the attack on the media firm was deplorable and the police was taking the incident very seriously. Further, according to him as per enquiries and observation made by him “the hole made through the glass apparently seems to be not that of a bullet or any fire arm, as the impact was too less, and the hole does not fit the projectile of a 9mm pistol.” However, it does not mean that he was ruling out that the hole made through the glass was that of a firearm, he said and asserted that the police will register a case and initiate an enquiry into the matter.
A group of journalists later proceeded towards the chief minister’s bungalow tonight and met the chief minister in connection with the incident. The team which met the chief minister was led by president of the AMWJU, Hemanta, and during the meeting the journalists drew the attention of the chief minister to the incident and asked for a proper enquiry into the matter.
The journalists also appealed for provision of necessary security in view of the continuous threats from various groups to the journalists fraternity. The team also urged proper advise to the security forces to deal properly with the state journalists while they were on duty, to which the chief minister gave his assurance.
As to why the media firm was attacked and who was behind the incident was yet to be ascertained. However, it was clear enough that the incident took place amidst the curfew and heavy security deployment. The Paojel press is located between two main active frisking points of Keishampat and Kwakeithel.