Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, November 02:
Journalist community of the state are taking out a silent rally Monday, under the aegis of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union, to register strong opposition to the promulgation of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO), 2001, by the Centre, according to a release by the union.
The silent rally will start at 10 am from the Manipur Press Club and will cover all major areas of the Imphal City.
At the end of the rally, a meeting will be held at the Press Club.
In this connection, the AMWJU has appealed to all journalists and media persons of the state to participate in the silent rally.
The union said the rally is being organized to register opposition to the new ordinance which contravenes the right, of journalists and newspersons to conceal their sources (except before the law court).
The state journalists, however, condemn all forms of terrorist acts, the release added.
It may be mentioned that sub-section (1) of Section 14 of the Ordinance states: "Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, the officer investigating any offence under the Ordinance, with prior approval in writing of an officer not below the rank of a superintendent of police, may require any officer or authority of the Central government or a state government or a local authority or a bank, company, or a firm or any other institution, establishment, Organization or any individual to furnish information in their possession in relation to such offence, on points or matters, where the investigating officer has reason to believe that such information will be useful for, or relevant to, the purposes of this ordinance".