EGM condemns

IMPHAL, Jun 30: The Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) has expressed deep concern over alleged intimidation of EGM member and Editor of Imphal Times Rinku Khumukcham by some associates of Rajya Sabha MP K Bhabananda over an article published in Imphal Times.
Such act is infringement upon freedom of speech and an attempt to muzzle the media, said a press release issued by EGM
Saying that EGM is ‘zero tolerant’ on such strong armed tactics used by any group or individual on the media, it demanded an explanation from the MP himself within a reasonable time period failing which EGM may be constrained to adopt more stringent measure.
EGM also urged the State Home Department to take appropriate action by identifying the culprits and book them under relevant Acts of the land for intimidation of “free media.”
According to a report received by EGM, two persons claiming to be close associates of MP K Bhabananda came to the residence of Rinku Khumukcham and asked him the motive for publication of a news item related to the spending of MP Local Area Development Fund.  EGM is of the view that any person aggrieved by any news report has the right to rebuttal through a proper process.
EGM neither endorses nor refutes any news report which appeared in various media outlets of Manipur. However, it will not remain silent to intimidations on media, it conveyed.
While strongly condemning the strong armed tactics adopted by some people, it urged everyone to adopt proper channel for addressing their grievances.