SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Editor’s & Publisher’s Association (MEPA) and the Shillong Press Club have taken exception to the adverse comments made against the media by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in the Assembly.
In separate statements issued on Wednesday, MEPA deplored the Chief Minister’s comment accusing the media of being the publicity instruments of terrorist groups and for disseminating ‘paid news’ in their columns.
“Any statement made by responsible elected representatives on the floor of the Assembly should be backed by facts, figures and evidences and not out of instant outburst. It is not expected that a person holding the highest rank of public office in the State should have made such derogatory and irresponsible statements,” MEPA said, while condemning the allegations of the Chief Minister.
MEPA also demanded that the statement should be withdrawn in order to restore the good relationship between the state government and the fourth estate.
In this respect, MEPA has convened an emergency meeting of its members on Friday to chalk out further course of action.
Meanwhile, the Shillong Press Club (SPC) in an emergency meeting held on Wednesday noted with concern comments made by the Chief Minister against national and local media.
SPC also took exception to Sangma’s allegation that local media were acting as ‘publicity houses of terrorist organizations’ and found it in bad taste.
“The Club iterates its commitment to free and fair journalism for the benefit of the people of the state in all aspects and expects the government to support the media in the state in this endeavour,” an SPC statement said.
SPC also viewed with concern the statement of the Chief Minister that the government would consider coming out with certain laws to check the media in their discharge of duty terming it as an attempt to gag the press and curb Freedom of Expression which is the Fundamental Right of all Indians.
Meanwhile, in the Assembly on Wednesday, NPP legislator and Opposition member James Sangma sought an apology from the Chief Minister for his remarks against the media.
However, the Chief Minister replied that it was not a blanket comment against the media, and added that the observation was on specific issues.
