PCI seeks clarification on Assam Rifles letter to Nagaland dailies

New Delhi: The Press Council of India on Thursday took suo moto cognizance of the dictates of the Assam Rifles to the local press since it found it prima facie at fault and asked both the para military force and the state Government to submit a report within a fortnight.
The Chairman of the PCI, Justice C K Prasad on Thursday took note of the complains raised by some members drawing his attention to the blank editorials by the Nagaland dailies in  protest against a letter from Assam Rifles, asking them not to publish any “article projecting the demands of NSCN(K).
“Since the matter prima-facie discloses an attempt to hinder/curtail free functioning of the press the Assam Rifles has been asked to furnish by December 4 stating the reason, circumstances and necessity of issuing such a notification,” a statement from the PCI said.
While the media fraternity observed National Press Day on Monday, four daily newspapers in Nagaland carried blank editorials to protest against a letter from Assam Rifles. Surprisingly, the Assam Rifles had also requested  the state government to take action against newspapers who violate their dictates.
The Assam Rifles letter stated: “Any article which projects the demands of NSCN (K) and gives it publicity is a violation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, and should not be published by your newspaper.”Marking copies of the letter to the state chief secretary,  DGP and others , the paramilitary force had asked them to take suo motu cognisance against editors.
Copies of the communication were also marked to NIA and the GOC of the Army’s 3 Corps, which is the overall in charge of counter-insurgency operations in the state. Editors of six newspapers had earlier issued a joint statement in this regard. “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 “ the statement said. The editors also said the Assam Rifles had pushed journalists into risk of personal safety.
The PCI is likely to take note of the grave issue during its meeting at Guwahati in the second week next month.