By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 28: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has condemned the recent statement of VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit casting dark aspersions on the media fraternity of the state, especially in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
In a statement issued here, SPC president David Laitphlang said that Basaiawmoit’s “rant and bluster” without basis, foundation, and adequate proof reflects poorly on the sincere efforts of all working journalists, who diligently, despite challenges, constraints, and trials have been sincerely trying to pursue their journalistic journey to espouse freedom of speech and expression as mandated by the Constitution within legal parameters.
This, according to the SPC president, is not the first time that Ardent has cried hoarse for reasons best known to him, just to take on anybody who does not toe his line of thought, attitude, bravado and speech.
He condemned this “unjustified and uncivilised” behaviour of a person who is believed to have some stature in society. “Hence, it would be prudent for him to simply boycott the press so as to avoid any uncomfortable situation for him and his political party as they strive to serve the best interests of the people of Meghalaya,” Laitphlang said.
“Constructive criticism is always welcome as it helps everyone to better themselves, but bellowing with confidence on matters not familiar with is often the wrong way to serve humanity. In parting, we must remember that one should not unjustly judge, for all shall be judged one day,” the SPC president added.
It may be mentioned that while addressing an election rally in Mawsynram on Wednesday to drum up support for party candidate, Ricky AJ Syngkon, VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit had alleged that there are sections of the media which are trying to mislead the people.
According to him, a few media houses belong to the political parties in the ruling or are funded by the government. These are trying to twist the issues raised by the VPP, he claimed.
Basaiawmoit took exception to a few journalists questioning the VPP’s stand on Hindi language, the use of which by the Governor was strongly objected to by the party during the recent Budget session of the Assembly. According to him, the pertinent question to be asked by the journalists was about the priorities and plans of the party candidate if he is elected as an MP.
Claiming that there is an attempt by a section of the media to confuse people, the VPP chief maintained that the party is not against Hindi language.
He, however, said that the VPP will keep opposing the use of Hindi in the Assembly stating that Meghalaya is not a Hindi-speaking state.