Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: On 16th April,2026, ISCOM News journalist Nongmeikakpam Ibotombi was physically assaulted by CRPF personnel while returning home after covering a torch rally at Singjamei.
Upon reaching Singjamei Chingamakha Irom Leirak, several CRPF personnel stationed there attacked him without any questioning.
He was not given an opportunity to identify himself as a journalist or present his I-Card, despite stating that he was from the press. The security personnel dragged him and his vehicle onto the road. Although he was wearing a helmet, he sustained injuries and his eyeglasses were broken during the assault at an undisclosed location.
After it was confirmed that he was a journalist, the same security personnel apologized and escorted him back to his residence.
A joint meeting of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) was held today regarding the incident. The meeting condemned the act in the strongest terms. This is not the first instance of journalists facing such treatment from security personnel. Two journalists were previously assaulted by CRPF personnel at Kwakeithel.
Recurring acts of this nature against journalists, who work to provide the public with important information on issues affecting the state, must stop immediately.
Appropriate action must be taken against the security personnel involved in the incident.
