Paojel Chaoba knows what it takes to be independent as a journalist. He has borne the brunt multiple times. He patiently listens to questions thrown at him and words his responses carefully. He seems to be aware of many invisible eyes, including those belonging to the powerful, waiting for him to make mistakes; and of traps for him to walk into. That does not mean he tones down his sentiments or indulges in self-censorship. “I have to be careful. According to the chief minister, I don’t count as a journalist,” he told this writer, between attending calls, answering text messages and sipping the local, digestive herbal tea heimang, sitting in his workroom at his two-storied residence in Imphal town.