Ukhrul: In a disturbing video that has surfaced online, showing a man, reportedly from the Kuki community, allegedly claims responsibility for shooting an Impact News cameraman on Saturday.
In the viral video, the individual speaking in Manipuri (Meiteilon) unapologetically warns the media professional against returning to the area, threatening to shoot him in the head if he does so again.
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The man in the viral video reportedly expressed no remorse, instead stating that the journalist should consider himself “lucky” to have been shot in the thigh and to still be alive.
Authorities have yet to confirm the authenticity of the video and whether the individual in question has been identified or apprehended. Press associations and human rights organizations have condemned the act, urging the government to take swift measures to protect the press and ensure accountability.
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The Impact News cameraperson, L. Kabichandra, sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh allegedly by Kuki militants during a firing incident at Thamnapokpi in Imphal East District on Saturday morning while on duty.
It may be added that the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild, Manipur (EGM) have strongly condemned the shooting of a journalist in the state, emphasizing the urgent need for ensuring the safety of media professionals. They also expressed gratitude to all civil society organizations (CSOs) that extended support to the injured journalist.
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