Newmai News Network
Aizawl | May 19
Media fraternity in Mizoram has expressed resentment to the state government of Mizoram saying that there were moves from certain quarters to curtail the 'freedom of the press' in the state.
Mizoram Journalists' Association (MJA), an umbrella body of all working journalists in Mizoram, alleged that a joint meeting of Lunglei district administration, BSF and Young Mizo Association (YMA) under the leadership of Lunglei deputy commissioner on May 11 had passed a resolution that curtails ‘freedom of the press’.
According to the MJA, the resolution of the joint meeting of BSF, YMA and the district administration of Lunglei district on May 11 stated that “media persons should get prior permission from BSF commandants of their respective areas before visiting border areas for news coverage”.
In this regard, MJA members headed by its president Zonunsanga Khiangte apprised Mizoram chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo on Tuesday about the matter saying that the “recent notification issued by the district administration and the subsequent incident wherein journalists were prevented by BSF personnel from visiting border areas” is nothing but curtailing ‘freedom of the press’.
The MJA said that it took that “resolution seriously as it is an outright violation of the freedom of the press”.
The MJA leaders also alleged that media persons from Lunglei district were prevented from visiting the Indo-Bangladesh border for ground reporting despite showing their press credentials recently.
Meanwhile, according to the MJA, a representation was submitted to the chief secretary for intervention so that journalists can have a free movement to report during lockdown.
