SHILLONG, Feb 1: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) and the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) have demanded an apology from Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for allegedly defaming two news channels, t7 and Batesi TV, publicly.
Basaiawmoit has been given five days to issue an apology, failing which SPC and MEPA have warned that they will be compelled to take appropriate action against him and his party.
“We strongly condemn the remarks you made during a public meeting held in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, on January 15, 2025. In your speech, you publicly defamed two leading media houses in Meghalaya — t7 and Batesi TV — thereby endangering the safety and security of media persons associated with these organisations,” SPC and MEPA said in a joint statement.
“As journalists, we are duty-bound to report on matters concerning the state and its people. Baseless allegations such as yours pose a serious threat to the security, credibility, and mobility of media professionals,” the statement added.
Seeking clarification on the statement made during the public meeting, SPC and MEPA asserted that the reports published by the media houses were, to the best of their knowledge, factual and devoid of any intent to malign or defame any individual or political party.
