HNLC threatens media; journalist fraternity resolves to continue performing their duties

SHILLONG:

The Journalist fraternity of Meghalaya has expressed concern at the "tone and tenor" of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) accusing the media of not publishing the outfit’s bandh calls.

"Issuing a threat, however, veiled it may be, tantamount to violation of a person’s liberty which also applies to the HNLC which from time to time seeks support from human rights bodies whenever it has felt wronged," a release issued by the Shillong Press Club (SPC) on Tuesday read.

The proscribed outfit, through a press release issued soon after the Laitumkhrah bomb blast on Tuesday, threatened the journalist fraternity for not expunging their bandh calls and said, "If the media don't heed our request, the outfit will resort to other means. If they (media) obey the High Court order or the government, it would mean that they are no longer independent and, we will also consider them our enemy."

The high court in 2015 had pronounced strict action against any media organization (both print and electronic) which published statements by the HNLC directed at violating the fundamental rights of people, listed under Article 19 and 21 of the constitution.

Stressing that freedom of expression applies to the journalist as well and obedience to the law of the land in letter and spirit is also an absolute responsibility, the SPC said, "As journalists, we must first obey the law of the land and for that matter the universal law of the world and humankind which abhors violence and senseless criminal acts while discharging our professional duties," said SPC President David Laitphlang.

"May we ask if one violates a standing High Court order which assures due punishment for violators, and is harassed or even incarcerated, who will fend for the family of the journalist? Will the HNLC intervene and sort out the issue or for that matter rescue the journalist from a foreign land?" the SPC asked.

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has condemned the HNLC's threat and said, "This is a ridiculous threat because the press is under nobody's pressure. Their (press) duty is to give information to the people within the legal framework of the Constitution. So, this threat is uncalled for, condemnable, and should be immediately withdrawn by the HNLC."

The resolution further requested the Meghalaya High Court to take cognizance of the “veiled threat” to the press by HNLC, and to “perhaps conceive a permanent solution to this prickly but sensitive matter.”

The Shillong Press Club has called upon the HNLC to announce its intentions and actions and even indicate its desire to return home, "albeit on its terms; to ponder over what it has communicated to the press and hopes that prudent wisdom will prevail."

The journalist fraternity of Meghalaya resolved to stand firm in solidarity with one another and would continue to serve the people of the state, despite the many challenges and stumbling blocks throughout the journey, the SPC statement read.

(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)

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