The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) demanded the arrest of the havildar of the Indian Reserve Battalion, Mujibur Rahman, who is accused of assaulting Chaoba Aribam, a senior reporter of English newspaper Imphal Free Press .
AMJWU president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai said Mr. Rahman was charged with bailable provisions of the IPC which meant that Mr. Rahman would threaten Mr. Aribam, once he would be released on bail. He demanded Mr. Aribam’s protection as he was susceptible to fresh threats.
He further said Mr. Rahman should be tried under the Arms Act.
Though the AMWJU welcomes the registration of an FIR, it was not pleased with the inordinate delay in arresting Mr. Rahman. Minister Abdul Nasir clarified that he was not related to Mr. Rahman in any manner. Reports said when the bleeding reporter identified himself as a reporter who was returning home after duty at 11.30 on Monday night, Mr. Rahman claimed that he was the Minister’s brother and nothing could be done against him.
Mr. Aribam said he was asked to lie down on the dusty road.
When he declined, Mr. Rahman reportedly hit him in the forehead with the radio set which required four stitches.
Though he was bleeding profusely, Mr. Rahman detained him for 45 minutes.
A passing patrol party came there and rushed Mr. Aribam to a private hospital. Mr. Rahman threatened to gun down Mr. Aribam if he dared to lodge a complaint.
Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei did not explain why Mr. Rahman was not arrested. The AMWJU is likely to launch agitations if the government goes ahead with covering up the incident.
