SIPHRO

Imphal, March 18, 2007: With the IG of Assam Rifles (South), BK Chengappa assuring that a an Inquiry would be initiated into the assault and detention of reporters by personnel of 38 Assam Rifles at Kotlien on March 14, the journalist fraternity of the State has decided to relax the boycott of all AR and Army related news coverage as well as press statements for 30 days.

The decision to relax the agitation was taken during a meeting held at the Manipur Press Club today at 11 am.

The assurance of the Inquiry was given by the IG of Assam Rifles (S) as the administrative affairs of 38 AR comes under his jurisdiction though the operational command rests with the 57 Mountain Division.

Two scribes, one from ISTV and the other from Ereibak were assaulted and detained along with two other reporters by the AR men when they had gone to Kotlien to cover the story of rape allegations as well as the agitation launched by the womenfolk demanding that the rape accused be handed over to them on March 14.

The agitation launched by the journalists following the March 14 incident included not covering the proceedings of the ongoing Assembly session as well as not covering any event of the Assam Rifles and Army. All press statements issued either by AR or the Army have also been blanked out.

The journalists have however made it clear that if no action is taken up against the personnel responsible for the assault within one month, then they would resume their agitation.

Towards finding an amicable solution representatives of journalists met the Chief Minister at his bungalow yesterday evening after a meeting of the scribes was held at Press Club.

Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh, DGP Y Joykumar and IG of AR (S) were present at the meeting.

Conveying his regrets over the incident, the IG informed that an officer and some personnel of 38 AR deployed at Kotlien have been relieved of their duties. The 2nd-in-charge of 32 Assam Rifles has been appointed to probe the incident, added the IG.
On the contention of the GOC of 57 Mountain Division and some other officials that the reporters and other personnel of 38 AR of Kotlien post that the reporters had instigated the women folk to protest against the Assam Rifles, the officer said that it was due to some communication gap and expressed his regret.

The proceedings of the meeting were conveyed to the other journalists today during the meeting at Press Club and it was decided to give 30 days time for the completion of the Court of Inquiry and relax the agitation. However if no action is taken up within 30 days, then the agitation will resume, the meeting agreed.

Source: The Sangai Express