DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 1 (MExN): The Dimapur Press Club (DPC) out rightly condemned the physical abuse to a fellow journalist and damage of his camera equipments at 6th Mile, Sovima Gate around 3-3:30 pm today. According to the DPC, photojournalist Caisii Mao, as part of his professional duty, was taking pictures of the event unfolding at NH 29 on Saturday afternoon when an unidentified person, who was part of a skirmishing mob, came and demanded to know why he was taking pictures.
The DPC stated that even after this journalist identified himself properly as from the press media, the attacker yanked the back-pack he was carrying from behind and pushed him to the ground. After that, the attacker smashed the camera on the road till it was completely damaged. Security forces deputed at the spot were also witness of the incident.
“This physical abuse and damage of media properties is a deliberate interference with journalistic work and need to be condemned by one and all. Any type of violence against journalists and equipments is unacceptable to us, the media fraternity. This is a direct attack on the Fourth Estate, who have been striving towards bringing information and serving the society and the world at large”, stated the DPC in a press note issued by its President Imti Longchar and General Secretary Filip Sumi.
In a separate condemnation note, the Kohima Press Club has condemned the physical assault meted out on photojournalist, Caisii Mao and destruction of his professional camera while he was performing his duty in a situation that turned violent at Dimapur on Saturday afternoon. In a press release issued by KPC President, Kopelo Krome and General Secretary, VishŸ Rita Krocha, it has strongly condemned the act, which, it said is unbecoming of a society and a clear infringement on the freedom of the press.
Also the Mokokchung Press Club categorically condemned the act of violence perpetrated against a member of the press fraternity. “A bona fide journalist being physically abused and his equipments forcefully confiscated and destroyed even after his identity was made clear is a serious offence against the press fraternity which demands downright condemnation by all members of the society”, stated the MPC President Limalenden Longkumer and Secretary Sashimeren Jamir.
MPC extended its solidarity with the journalist concerned and hoped that no more members of the press fraternity will be meted out with such savagely acts in the future.
