[dropcap]O[/dropcap]f late, the underground groups in various States especially in the North-East Region, who militate for sovereignty or statehood or whatever, have now even dared to venture into the world of journalism, particularly in neighbouring Manipur.
Newspaper publication and distribution were suspended for two consecutive days in Manipur following threats of violent retribution against journalists and news vendors by an underground group in that State, on September 1 and 2.The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU)’s decision to observe the closure was to ensure that the State Government took note of the predicament that journalists and other media workers continue to face in a State that is home to an estimated 30 insurgent groups. This is the fifth complete shutdown of Manipur’s newspapers in less than five years.
The whole thing started when the newspapers ignored press releases issued by the aggrieved outfit. While declining comment it is learnt that this would be discussed in an emergency meeting of the Editors Committee. In support of the press fraternity, representatives of women vigilantes, civil society organizations staged a sit-in protest in Imphal demanding non-interference in the functioning of newspapers. The activists opined that distribution of newspapers should not be banned and thus deny people of their copies. Newspapers should be allowed to publish without threats. Journalists also took out a silent procession and staged a sit-in protest.
The Press Council of India (PCI) had asked Manipur Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh to take steps to ensure that newspapers in his State which have been receiving threats from militants, can function normally. PCI chairman, Markandey Katju, said that press freedom is a guaranteed fundamental right.
After six days of the ban on news paper publication in Manipur, Editors and publishers have decided to go ahead with publication even though they had not heard from the militant group that had enforced the ban. The AAMWJU is a unit of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) which is affiliated to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). As such, expressing concern the IFJ have also called upon not only the State Government but also the Indian security agencies of the Indian Government deployed in the State to respond to the urgent calls from AMWJU. The IFJ Asia Pacific applauded partners in the AMWJU for their consistent fight for journalists working in the highly challenging environment in Manipur.
It is to be appreciated that despite the threat on the lives of journalists and newspaper distributors, the daily newspapers have hit the stands since Thursday (Sept. 05) when Teachers Day was being celebrated throughout the length and breadth of India.
However, the functioning of the newspaper establishment is likely to be affected for some time during the days to come. Such unexpected things happen in any endeavour and are professional hazards especially when the media is trying its level best to provide correct news to its readers while at the same time participating in the process of practicing the freedom that is guaranteed in a democracy.
The press fraternity in Nagaland also extends full support to our brethren in Manipur as they continue to fight for justice and not be cowed down by threats of violence by an armed group who should concentrate more on their ideals of sovereignty rather than on biased, or prejudiced, news which the newspapers had ignored after due consideration of the pros and cons.
May the cadres of the group concerned be reminded that the pen is always mightier than the sword and no slash of the sword or hit of the bullet(s) fired can erase a line of what is written.
