Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14:
Reacting strongly to obdurate refusal of a vernacular daily to tender apology to the ZRA for its misleading and malicious publication that ZRA cadres were suspicious of involvement in raping a young mother at T Phaijol, Churachandpur recently even after the outfit had refuted the report through mass media, the outfit conveyed that it reserves the right to initiate any action it deems fit against the editor and staff of the particular daily.
A statement issued by the Director, Ministry of Defence, ZRO/ZRA asserted the news report, at best, was an attempt to malign the ZRA and at worst, an attempt to communalise the entire issue.
It further noted that the vernacular paper has no correspondent in Churachandpur.
For a neutral and impartial observer like the ZRA, it is quite depressing and disturbing to see the incorrect and misleading news report made by some media establishments of the State, particularly those based in Imphal, to the extent of forcing the rape victim to come out with a press clarification, alleged ZRA.
Nothing sort of tendering of sincere apology will heal the heartache and anguish of the victim, it noted.
For any action that may be initiated against the daily, the same should not be taken as an attack against journalists fraternity or their rights, and the ZRA should not be held responsible for any of its actions against the particular firm.