IFP sub-editor shot dead, AMWJU decries

IMPHAL, Nov 17 : A junior Sub-Editor of the English daily, Imphal Free Press, was found shot dead by unidentified gunmen today at about 4.30 pm at Langol near the second Sangai Home. The deceased scribe is identified as Konsam Rishi-kanta (25) son of Budhi of Ningomthong Sairou Leirak. The body bore two bullet wounds on the chest and one on the neck. The reason, motive as well as the identities of the gunmen are yet to be verified. Sources said that the victim was found with a blind fold. The identity of the victim was established at RIMS morgue through the victim’s press identity card when reporters on receiving the report of a bullet riddled body being found rushed there.

Taking strong exception against the killing, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union convened an emergency meeting today at the Manipur Press Club. Strongly condemning the killing, AMWJU demanded that the killers identify themselves as well as furnish the reason for the dastardly act.

To discuss the issue and take up further course of action, an emergency general body meeting has been convened by AMWJU at the Manipur Press Club tomorrow at 11 am sharp. The Union added that the killing is in complete violation of the code of conduct wherein it was urged to security forces, underground organisations and other civil society organisations to first intimate AMWJU before any action is taken up against any media person. The appeal was issued so that issues related to media persons may be settled within the internal mechanism of AMWJU.

The violation of this code is nothing short of taking a stand against the whole media fraternity in the State further noted AMWJU. Editor of Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjoubam said that Rishikanta was supposed to report for duty at 5 pm as he was assigned to the night desk work. He was with IFP for the past three months. Police recovered the body and has deposited it at RIMS morgue for post mortem.

Source: TSE