Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19:
Putting the record straight, the Editors' Forum, Manipur has today stated that the news story carried in certain sections of the State dailies, that an indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal East and West, was based on information provided by police officials.
In a statement, the Forum said that though the media knows that curfew can be imposed only at the order of the District Magistrate, during the last one month, there has been a communication breakdown between the media and the office of the district administration.
As such curfew related news have been published on the basis of information provided by the police.
The news about the imposition of indefinite curfew on August 19 was also based on the information provided by police officials, said the Forum and expressed regret over the inconveniences caused to the general public.
The Forum has also expressed its deep regret over the manner in which the Chief Minister went back on his words and acted contrary to the assurance given to the Editors during a meeting on August 16.Elaborating, the statement said that on August 16, the Chief Minister had asked the Forum to see if anything can be done to bring the leaders of the Apunba Lup to the negotiating table to which the Editors asked the CM to first stop cracking down on the Lup leaders.
The CM also assured that the leaders would not be stalked.