Newspaper strike in Manipur over journalist's murder

Imphal, Nov 19 (IANS) Newspapers in Manipur will be off the stands for an indefinite period from Thursday in protest against the killing of a young journalist by unidentified gunmen here Monday, journalists said.

'Konsam Rishikanta, 22, a trainee sub-editor with our newspaper, was shot dead under mysterious circumstances. The killing needs a thorough investigation. Whoever committed the crime must be brought to light by the authorities,' Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the English language Imphal Free Press told IANS.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) has decided to suspend publication and broadcast of news for an indefinite period from Thursday.

The decision to cease publication of newspapers was taken at an emergency general body meeting of AMWJU Tuesday.

The union also decided to stage a sit-in protest till the killers were identified and booked.

'The information of the gunning down came too early, almost immediately. This indicated the unlikelihood of involvement of underground militants (because) normally when they commit such a crime, they would first scoot and only after they have reached the safety of their hideout, they would think of claiming responsibility,' Imphal Free Press said on its website.

The newspaper added: 'Obviously the execution then was most likely to have been by some agency which did not have to run after the crime.'

Manipur has a dozen newspapers, including three English dailies. Several journalists have been killed by insurgent groups previously.