Editors' Guild boycotts CM, ministers & ruling MLAs
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 21 2015 :
Editors' Guild, Manipur (EGM) on Saturday decided to boycott the Chief Minister, his Council of Ministers and all MLAs of the ruling dispensation.
According to a press note issued by EGM, the step was taken following the passing of the deadline (February 20, 2015) set by the guild after a series of meetings held and after "patiently" waiting for the Chief Minister to fulfill assurances given by him on the charter of demands of the guild.
The EGM has also demanded removal of Th Syamo, APO (Press), DIPR for "verbally assaulting and physically threatening" EGM President A Mobi when he visited the Syamo's office along with the guild Secretary General Yumnam Rupachandra.
As no action has been initiated, the EGM has been boycotting the DIPR in an apparent move to express its dismay.
Even after three months and having had several rounds of talk with the Chief Minister, he is yet to take any tangible action, said EGM.
EGM has 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 guild also reminded the Chief Minister to take up necessary action to address the charter of demands including making an advertising policy as soon as possible to enable EGM to lift the boycott.
EGM said it was saddened by the fact that it had to resort to boycotting the functionaries of the Government to draw the attention of the ruling regime to the grievances.
EGM has been compelled to take the decision as the Government failed to address the issues despite repeated appeals.
As per decision of the EGM, fresh negotiation can only begin after Syamo is removed.
It was also decided that affiliates of EGM will not give any coverage to the press meet, functions, clarification, achievements, tours etc.
of the functionaries mentioned above till an understanding is reach.
EGM has also requested the public to bear with the body during the period of the boycott.