Assam Rifles Seeks to Control Nagaland Media, State Editors Write in Protest

NEW DELHI: A notification issued to the Nagaland media by the Assam Rifles has created a major controversy with at least three newspapers carrying blank editorials in sharp protest against what is being described as military intervention. Several editors have signed a statement against this, with at least three Nagaland newspapers, Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and Morung Express carrying blank editorials. 

On October 25 2015, Editors of five Nagaland-based media houses were issued a notification by a Colonel of the General Staff for Assam Rifles for reporting on the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) in what is seen as unprecedented action. 

Editors of the Nagaland media issued a statement stating: “Given the gravity of the matters raised in the notification we, the Editors of various English and Indigenous language newspapers of Nagaland have taken the communication as an opportunity to reflect, consult and critically examine what our role is in these circumstances. 

It is our understanding that the General Staff for Assam Rifles is concerned about three critical issues: (a) that through our reporting of press statements by NSCN-K, we have, in effect, intentionally or unintentionally supported unlawful association; (b) we have violated the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967; and (c) by publishing statements by banned organizations, we are, ipso facto, complicit in the organizations’ illegal activities. These are serious charges indeed that merit a response from the Nagaland-based media and the wider media fraternity. 

In the following paragraphs, we respectfully describe our role as media organizations functioning in an environment of conflict where the search for peace and justice is a critical component of our collective vision and mission in Nagaland. 

1. As Editors, our reporting has always been guided by a free, fair, forthright, sensitive and unbiased approach as we work both within the backdrop of Naga history and our current reality. Such an approach to journalism ensures that reporting is impartial and inclusive to the fullest extent, provides opportunities for constructive engagement and, where possible, promotes healthy debates and dialogues on the difficult issues and challenges that Nagaland faces. Pursuant to this mission, we, the Editors and Journalists, are always open to critical feedback that can help improve our media practice. 

2. When we have reported news by, or from, banned organizations, we have done so in the spirit of transparency, inclusivity and fairness so that the surfacing divergent opinions can promote dialogue and constructive engagement among diverse groups in Nagaland. History shows that at no point has the spirit or letter of our publications intentionally sought to support a banned organization or to incite and promote violence, or was biased in nature. 

3. It is within this context that 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? We believe that the Assam Rifles shares our vision that the citizens of Nagaland have the basic and inalienable right to be informed, to listen to all voices on matters that affect their daily lives, and to make informed decisions pursuant to the dream we all share of a Nagaland that is thriving, peaceful and democratic. 

4. Further, by implying that the Nagaland-based media is supporting a particular banned organization, the Assam Rifles is, ipso facto, jeopardizing the personal safety and well being of the Editors and the media fraternity in Nagaland. We want to believe that this is not the spirit or intent of the notification letter dated October 25, 2015. 

5. We wish to reiterate that the notification needs to be viewed within the context of the long standing Indo-Naga issue, which historians and scholars have noted is one of the oldest political conflicts in the world. We fully appreciate the historical reality within which we live and work that has many forces as the pursuit of peace and justice has involved multiple actors and stakeholders who have their share of competing interests and positions as well. 

6. However, the media in Nagaland has remained non-partisan, impartial and independent by upholding indigenous and internationally accepted values of non-violence, democracy and peace. With the print media being the primary means of mass-communication in Nagaland, we have carefully and diligently ensured that the editorial process – individually and collectively – acts responsibly, without prejudice, and is guided by universally recognized standards and ethical norms of journalism. We seek to make critical editorial decisions in ways that encourage healthy, peaceful and constructive engagement. 

It is in this spirit that on this occasion of the National Press Day, which is commemorated on November 16 of every year, we, the Editors of various English and Indigenous language newspapers in Nagaland, take this opportunity to reflect and assert our role as an independent and responsible free press, and to affirm our commitment as the fourth pillar of democracy. We remain open to critical feedback, and believe that the free flow of information and ideas is essential for contributing to mutual understanding and peace in Nagaland. 

Hence, as proponents of the free press supporting our commitment to the right to freedom of speech and expression, peace, democracy and economic empowerment, we shall: 

(a) remain impartial and non-partisan while exercising our editorial independence that is free from all influences by State, Non-State and Corporate entities; 

(b) continue to create and provide responsible and healthy spaces and opportunities that are open to diverse viewpoints in a sincere and sensitive manner without infringing on the news quality or the potential for constructive engagement; 

(c) continue to uphold and safeguard values and practices of non-violence, democracy, liberty, inclusivity and peace; 


(d) continue to practice universally acceptable standards and ethics of journalism, in particular peace journalism, while upholding the right to freedom of speech and expression; 

(e) continue to exercise the right of free press – which also includes the right to freely gather and dis tribute news, information and ideas without restrictions; and 

(f) continue reporting events ethically with transparency, accountability and objectivity by verifying and authenticating our sources of information while respecting the principle of confidentiality. 

As Nagaland-based media houses, we hold ourselves responsible to the Press Council of India. Furthermore, in order for the media in Nagaland to uphold democratic values, protect the right to a free press, and to creatively examine our role in the complex and challenging situation in Nagaland, we are open to meeting and exploring with democratically elected members of the Government of Nagaland on issues that would enhance an environment where the media can function freely and where any issues that any party might object to – like the notification from Assam Rifles – can be addressed in a peaceful and constructive way. 

Finally, by no means should this joint statement be misconstrued as a tacit support, or against any group in Nagaland. 

Monalisa Changkija             Geoffery Yaden                 Witoubou Newmai 
Editor, Nagaland Page    Editor, Nagaland Post    Editor, Eastern Mirror

K. Temjen Jamir                     M. Kire                                Dr. Aküm Longchari 
Editor, Tir Yimyim              Editor, Capi                       Editor, The Morung Express

 

 

Dated: November 15, 2015 

The editors were responding to the following notification issued by Assam Rifles to the Nagaland media:

                                                   MEDIA SUPPORT TO UNLAWFUL ASSOCIATION 

1. I would like to bring to your attention that National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) [NSCN (K)] has been declared an Unlawful Association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 vide Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No 11011/45/2015-NE-V dated 28 September 2015. A copy of the Gazette of India Notification is attached for your ready reference. 

2. The intention of declaring it an Unlawful Association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 is to curb and prevent fresh recruitments, violent, terrorist & secessionist activities, collection of funds, etc. 

3. In some recent editions of your newspaper, specifically on 17, 18 & 21 Oct 2015, you have published articles issued by MIP of NSCN (K) threatening senior law makers of the Nagaland Government and encouraging collection of funds by representative of NSCN (K). Such articles can be construed as providing support to an Unlawful Association. Photocopies of the articles are attached for ready reference. 

4. It is reiterated that 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. 

Encl:- As above                                                                                     

                                         

Copy to:- Chief Secretary 
Govt of Nagaland 
Kohima 

Principal Secretary to CM 
Government of Nagaland 
Kohima 

Home Commissioner 
Secretariat, Kohima 
Nagaland 

Commissioner, Nagaland 
Office of the Commissioner 
Kohima, Nagaland 

Director General of Police, 
Nagaland 
Kohima 

Shri G P Singh, IPS 
Inspector General (NER) 
National Investigation Agency 
6th & 7th Floor, NDCC-II Building 
New Delhi - 110001 

HQ 3 Corps (GS/IS)                                         

PIN 908503 
c/o 99 APO 

Mahanideshalaya Assam Rifles (GS/Ops) 
Directorate General Assam Rifles 
Shillong-11