South Asia Media Commission condemns attack on media in M'pur

It also said journalists are coming under "increasing pressures" from the militants groups and finding it difficult to function as independent professionals in the state, where the situation is "alarming" for scribes.

While noting that the state government has provided security to media houses, the Commission said it cannot be a "permanent solution" and sought remedial measures to ensure freedom of press in Manipur.

"Manipur Government must apprehend the attackers and take deterrent action against them and see that the independent professional functioning of the media is not affected," K K Katiyal, President, South Asia Media Commission, India, said in a statement.

The statement comes in the wake of seven journalists being shot dead in the recent past in the state and several other scribes surviving attempts on their life.

Katiyal also urged militants not to "interfere" with the independent work of the journalists because the "press as a whole has to take into account interests of the people as a whole".

The Commission also demanded that the families of the seven journalists be given compensation.

"The Commission appeals to the civil society and political parties to express their solidarity with the media... In a non-partisan spirit...," the statement said.