EGM boycotts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21 2015 :
Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) has announced its decision to boycott the Chief Minister of Manipur, his Council of Ministers and all ruling MLAs.
The decision to boycott the Chief Minister, his Council of Ministers and the ruling MLAs was taken following the expiry of the deadline (Feb 20) set by EGM which had patiently waited for the Chief Minister to fulfill assurances given by him on the charter of demands of the EGM, a statement issued by the EGM said.
The EGM also demanded the removal of Th Syamo, APO (Press), DIPR for verbally assaulting and physically threatening the president of EGM A Mobi when he visited Syamo's office along with the secretary general of EGM Yumnam Rupachandra.
As no action has been initiated, the EGM has been boycotting the DIPR to send a message to the Government.
However, after three months and having had several rounds of talk with the Chief Minister, he is yet to take any tangible action.
The EGM once again reiterated its demand for removal of Syamo from the post of APO (Press) and replace him with someone who respects the press and media.
The EGM also reminded the Chief Minister to take up necessary action to address the charter of demands including formulation of an advertising policy as soon as possible to enable EGM to lift the boycott.
"The EGM is saddened by the fact that it has to resort to boycotting the CM, Ministers and Cong MLAs to draw the attention of the Government to our grievances.
However the EGM has been compelled to do so as the Government has failed to hear us despite repeated appeals," the statement said.
As per decision of the EGM, fresh negotiation can only begin after Syamo is removed and not before that, the EGM conveyed.
As per the boycott, affiliates of EGM will not give any coverage to the press meets, functions, clarifications, achievements, tours etc of the Council of Ministers till an understanding is reached.
It appealed to the public to bear with them.