On October 12, journalists and media workers were prevented from covering an attack on a village in Manipur’s Sabunkhok Khunou village by members of a combined Jat and Gorkha armed contingent, with the soldiers deleting footage from the journalists’ electronic devices. The reporters present were from several media outlets, including ISTV, Impact TV, Tom TV, and ISCom. Nearby, journalists and media workers with Tom TV and Impact TV were similarly prevented from filming the attack in a separate incident on the same day.
Several media bodies condemned the actions of the security personnel, identifying the incident as an infringement of press freedom. In a joint statement, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), an affiliate of the IJU, and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) strongly condemned the actions of the soldiers, announcing their intentions to submit a petition to authorities and calling for a thorough investigation into all crimes against journalists committed since the outbreak of violence.
On September 26, soldiers with the Assam Rifles reportedly harassed and briefly detained journalist Tennoson Pheiray between 8 and 8.30 am. The journalist was stopped while travelling to Imphal, before being briefly taken into army custody. He was allowed to continue his journey after a discussion with an officer.
Manipur has been engulfed in violence since May 3, with the conflict and resulting security presence responsible for an increase in harassment, assault, and brief detentions to journalists and media workers. Threats to freedom of expression have increased during this period, with authorities filing cases against members of the Editors Guild of India following the publication of a report. On October 5, Manipuri authorities banned the distribution of ‘violent activities’ online.
The IJU said: "The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) condemns the action of combined troops of 29 Jat regiment and 5/4 GR which prevented media persons from covering news on October 12, 2023, at Sabungkhok Khunouarea where a group of hostile people was attacking the village. The IJU appeals to the security forces and the police not only to prevent but also to help media persons to the possible extent in covering news, as people have the right to know what is happening in their area or elsewhere in the country.”
The IFJ said:“Conflict is not an excuse for law enforcement or security personnel to intimidate, harass, or obstruct media professionals. The IFJ condemns the obstruction of several journalists covering conflict in Manipur and urges authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure the independence and safety of media personnel in the state.” the state.”