New Delhi: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) strongly condemns the brutal assault on two reporters of Impact TV News by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) while they were on duty covering a public protest at Kwakeithel, Manipur, on June 7, 2025, at around 10 PM. The IJU is appalled to learn that the assault occurred despite the journalists clearly identifying themselves as media persons, and that the CRPF personnel also resorted to using foul language against them.
The IJU stands in solidarity with its affiliate, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM) in condemning this egregious act of violence and intimidation against journalists discharging their professional duties. Such acts of impunity against the media are unacceptable and represent a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.
IJU President and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, said, “This brutal assault on journalists in Manipur is a stark reminder of the increasing hostility faced by media professionals in the line of duty. We demand a thorough and impartial enquiry into this incident and strict punishment for the perpetrators to ensure such acts are not repeated. The safety of journalists must be non-negotiable.”
IJU Secretary General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Sabina Inderjit, added, “The repeated targeting of journalists in Manipur is deeply concerning and undermines the fundamental right to freedom of expression. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to bring the culprits to justice and ensure a safe working environment for the media. The IJU, alongside AMWJU and EGM, will continue to fight against such injustices.”
The IJU supports the AMWJU and EGM’s resolution to file an FIR in connection with the incident and their decision to protest by keeping all editorials of June 8, 2025, publications blank with the common slogan, “AMWJU & EGM Condemn repeated assault and intimidation of Journalists.” We join their call for swift action by the relevant authorities to resolve this issue and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The IJU demands an immediate and transparent enquiry into the incident and exemplary punishment for those responsible to deter such attacks on journalists in the future. We reiterate our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists across India and will continue to work with our affiliates and global partners, including the IFJ, to uphold press freedom.
