Guwahati: An Assam Rifles communication in Nagaland that has an adverse bearing on the freedom of the press shall be kept in abeyance after the Press Council of India on Friday heard the representatives of the Editors, the State Government of Nagaland and the Assam Rifles on the issue here.
The Press Council of India had taken suo motu cognizance of news reports regarding the Assam Rifles Notice dated 24/10/2015 and when editorials were blank for a day in Nagaland newspapers, PCI Chairman Justice C K Prasad said.
The Council conducted a hearing here on Friday with regard to the notice issued by Assam Rifles under the “Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967” to Nagaland Newspapers, Justice Prasad said.
The Council heard the representatives of the Editors, the State Government of Nagaland and the Assam Rifles on the issue, Justice Prasad said.
The representatives of Assam Rifles stated that the communication dated 24/10/2015 shall be kept in abeyance, he said.
It was agreed that all the stakeholders – Editors, State Government and Assam Rifles – shall meet and seek to resolve the issues bearing in mind the larger national interest and need to preserve the freedom of the Press the PCI chief said.
“They shall make a report to the Press Council of India on the outcome of their deliberations. The matter is adjourned. We are happy with the outcome. Hope we were able to preserve the freedom of press and at the same time keep the national interest in mind,” Justice Prasad said.
Realising it had overstepped its jurisdiction, the Assam Rifles acknowledged that the media was helpful in giving a lot of information, while the media wanted guidance from the PCI specific to Nagaland. (PTI)
