The Commandant of 24 AR, Shangshak Battalion also assured that no such incident will happen in the future. With this assurance and as a goodwill gesture, the UDWJA also decided to revoke the boycott against 24 AR, Shangshak Battalion.
TFM Desk
Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association (UDWJA) and 24 Assam Rifles COB have decided to “forgive and forget” and resolved the issue arising out of an incident in which The Frontier Manipur’s Ukhrul Correspondent was subjected to harassment by a jawan. After an exhaustive discussion, the two sides in order to maintain a harmonious environment for the larger interest of the public, resolved the matter.
It may be mentioned that the incident that took place at Ramva Check Post of 24 Assam Rifles COB on September 25, 2023, where the journalist was harassed “merely on resemblance to one of the high ranking NSCN (I-M) leaders”.
A press statement issued by UDWJA said that during the meeting held at 35 AR Outpost, Tahao, Wino, Ukhrul, on 27 September 2023, Col. Deeptodeep Mehta, Commandant of 24 AR, Shangshak Battalion expressed deep regrets to the UDWJA members over the unfortunate incident, on behalf of his subordinate officer Subedar Kamla Pati Joshi in the presence of Col. Manoj Shinde, Commandant of 35 AR, Somsai Battalion and leaders from Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL). Col. Deeptodeep Mehta admitted the misdeed of his jawans mending the check post that day.
The Commandant of 24 AR, Shangshak Battalion also assured that no such incident will happen in the future. With this assurance and in goodwill gesture, the UDWJA also decided to revoke the boycott against 24 AR, Shangshak Battalion.
UDWJA also lauded the cooperation and support extended by Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU), All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long.