Govt cracks whip against UG statements
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2011:
The State Government has directed the print as well as electronic media in Manipur to refrain from publishing articles/news/reports/photographs which support or tend to support the unlawful activities of various organisations which are against the provisions of the Constitution of India, various statutes, rules and regulations and warned of strict action in case of violation of the laws of the land.
On the other hand, a joint meeting of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors presided by AMWJU president Khogendra Khomdram, while denouncing the directive of the Government as imposition on media, has resolved to take the fight to the Government to withdraw the directive.
An office memorandum issued by Special Secretary (Home), Govt of Manipur AK Sinha today stated that it has been observed that the print media as well as the electronic media are publishing/carrying various news items which directly or indirectly support the unlawful/illegal activities of various organisations.
Many of the articles/news reports published/broadcast not only question the sovereignty and integrity of India but also tend to incite the public against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.
The office memorandum further noted that many reports/articles are also published through which illegal monetary demands are made against individuals/organisations or making so called clarifications, viz, 'Sengdokchaba'/'Changjarakadabani', etc.
Such publications which are defamatory/intimidatory spread fear and terror among the public.
The State Government has taken a serious view of the matter and now advises all engaged in print as well as electronic media to refrain from publishing such articles/news/reports/photographs, which support or tend to support the unlawful activities of various organisations which are against the provisions of Constitution of India, various statutes, rules and regulations.
In case of violation of the laws of the land, strict actions will be taken in accordance with law, the office memorandum warned.
Meanwhile, a joint meeting of AMWJU and editors has deliberated on the statements made by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh during a press conference today as well as the office memorandum issued by Special Secretary (Home) AK Sinha.
The joint meeting expressed resentment over such imposition over media and unanimously resolved to exert pressure on the Government to withdraw it.
Furthermore, the joint meeting endorsed that the media organisations would continue to do their respective duties in accordance to the guidelines given by the Press Council of India and in compliance with the Code of Conduct (Local Adjustment) of AMWJU.
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