On August 1, 2024, a protest rally erupted in Imphal East District as approximately 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing at a relief camp within Ideal Girls’ College, Akampat, voiced their demands for return to their homes and for resettlement and rehabilitation. The rally, organized by the Protection of Meitei Victims, Moreh, saw demonstrators—primarily from the Myanmar border town of Moreh—marching towards the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Tensions escalated as the Manipur Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. The confrontation became chaotic when some IDPs, in response, began pelting stones at the police. In a bid to control the situation, the police intensified their use of tear gas shells and mock bombs. The proximity of the clash to Ideal Girls’ School, Akampat, had severe consequences, with many students suffering from tear gas inhalation and panic, requiring hospitalization.

Among those caught in the melee was Mr. Rameshchandra Singh, also known as RC Mangangcha, a reporter for IMPACT-TV Channel. Arriving at the Singjamei Bridge around 11:30 AM to cover the incident, Mr. Singh identified himself as a journalist and showed his press credentials to the police. Despite his attempts to clarify his role, Sub-Inspector Sh. Nikhil Singh of the Imphal East Police, without due consideration, violently assaulted Mr. Singh by smashing his mobile phone and using a tear gas gun on him. Mr. Singh was subsequently taken to Raj Medicity, a private hospital, for treatment.

The following day, on August 2, 2024, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) convened to denounce the police’s actions and organized a protest rally in the evening. Alongside the Editors Guild Manipur, AMWJU submitted a formal representation to the Chief Minister of Manipur, demanding the establishment of an inquiry commission for a thorough investigation and immediate disciplinary action against the offending police officer. They also called for enhanced protection measures for journalists.

In response, the Superintendent of Imphal East Police, K. Meghachandra Singh, suspended Sub-Inspector Sh. Nikhil Singh on August 3, 2024, for his egregious misconduct. The Indian Journalist Union echoed condemnation and organized a protest on August 5, 2024.

HRDA strongly believes that the attack represents a stark violation of several Constitutional rights: the freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)), freedom of assembly (Article 19(1)(b)), the right to pursue one's profession as a human rights activist (Article 19(1)(g)), and the right to life and liberty (Article 21).

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• Direct the Director General of police of Manipur to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry and submit the report to NHRC.
• Issue adequate compensation to the HRD for the further medical treatment and for causing physical injuries and mental trauma.