Media blackout in Manipur as newsprint truck torched

Imphal: Manipur’s media fraternity on Friday staged a protest against the burning of newsprint worth approximately Rs 33 lakh in Kangpokpi district.

Journalists, newspaper distributors, and printing staff suspended their day’s work to participate in the demonstration at Manipur Press Club.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when unidentified armed men intercepted a truck carrying the newsprint from Guwahati to Imphal on National Highway-2. They set the cargo ablaze before fleeing the scene.

The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to stifle press freedom.

In response, electronic media outlets halted news broadcasts on Friday, while print media announced a shutdown for Saturday.

MLA Sapam Nishikant raised the issue in the state assembly, alleging that around 20-25 suspected members of the Kuki National Front (KNF) were involved in the arson.

He criticized the security forces for their apparent failure to prevent the attack despite their presence.

The MLA demanded increased security for essential supplies and called for effective action against those responsible for the incident.