Imphal, August 2: A significant protest took place today in Keirao Bitra against the physical assault on IMPACT TV reporter Mutum Romeschandra (RC Mangangcha). The demonstration was organized by the Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Development Committee, various local clubs, and Meira Paibi groups.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), Editors Guild Manipur (EGM), and district-specific journalist unions from Thoubal, Bishnupur, Noney, and Jiribam have condemned the assault on the journalist by security forces.

In addition, civil organizations such as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Ching Tam Social Workers Union, Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), and six student organizations have condemned the excessive police action against displaced persons. These individuals, who had been relocated from Moreh to the Akampat relief camp, were participating in a democratic rally demanding permission to return to their homes. The rally was met with bullets, tear gas, and mock bombs, causing injuries to civilians, including the assaulted journalist, and causing trauma to students and staff from a nearby school.

COCOMI has called for appropriate punishment for the security personnel involved, criticizing the brutal response to a peaceful protest aimed at highlighting the plight of those in relief camps.