Freedom of the press: A public statement
Source: The Sangai Express
Dimapur, November 15 2015:
Taking serious note of the notification issued by the General Staff Officer of the Assam Rifles on the Editors of five Nagaland based media houses on October 25, six Editors, Monalisa Changkija of Nagaland Page, Geoffery Yaden of Nagaland Post, Witoubou Newmai of Eastern Mirror, K Temjen Jamir of Tir Yimyim, M Kire of Capi and Dr Akum Longchari of The Morung Express have isued a joint statement, spelling out their stand.
The joint statement which was made available to The Sangai Express said that given the gravity of the matters raised in the notification we, the Editors of various English and Indigenous language newspapers of Nagaland have taken the communication as an opportunity to reflect, consult and critically examine what our role is in these circumstances.
"It is our understanding that the General Staff for Assam Rifles is concerned about three critical issues: (a) that through our reporting of press statements by NSCN-K, we have, in effect, intentionally or unintentionally supported unlawful association; (b) we have violated the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967; and (c) by publishing statements by banned organizations, we are, ipso facto, complicit in the organizations' illegal activities.
"These are serious charges indeed that merit a response from the Nagaland-based media and the wider media fraternity.
"In the following paragraphs, we respectfully describe our role as media organizations functioning in an environment of conflict where the search for peace and justice is a critical component of our collective vision and mission in Nagaland.
"1.As Editors, our reporting has always been guided by a free, fair, forthright, sensitive and unbiased approach as we work both within the backdrop of Naga history and our current reality.
Such an approach to journalism ensures that reporting is impartial and inclusive to the fullest extent, provides opportunities for constructive engagement and, where possible, promotes healthy debates and dialogues on the difficult issues and challenges that Nagaland faces.
Pursuant to this mission, we, the Editors and Journalists, are always open to critical feedback that can help improve our media practice.
"2.When we have reported news by, or from, banned organizations, we have done so in the spirit of transparency, inclusivity and fairness so that the surfacing divergent opinions can promote dialogue and constructive engagement among diverse groups in Nagaland.
History shows that at no point has the spirit or letter of our publications intentionally sought to support a banned organization or to incite and promote violence, or was biased in nature.
"3.It is within this context that the Editors are concerned by the suggestion that in our reporting we, in effect, support unlawful association and are complicit in illegal activities.
Is this an attempt to censor, weaken and ultimately silence the role of the media in Nagaland? We believe that the Assam Rifles shares our vision that the citizens of Nagaland have the basic and inalienable right to be informed, to listen to all voices on matters that affect their daily lives, and to make informed decisions pursuant to the dream we all share of a Nagaland that is thriving, peaceful and democratic.
"4.Further, by implying that the Nagaland-based media is supporting a particular banned organization, the Assam Rifles is, ipso facto, jeopardizing the personal safety and well being of the Editors and the media fraternity in Nagaland.
We want to believe that this is not the spirit or intent of the notification letter dated October 25, 2015 .
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