New Delhi. The Editors Guild of India expressed its deep concern regarding the recent order of the Assam Rifles to severely curtail the freedom of Nagaland-based media houses.
In a press statement Editors Guild of India said, “The order saw five newspapers in the state publish blank editorials as a mark of protest. The Guild applauds and supports the newspapers for demonstrating their unwillingness to follow the pernicious order by the Assam Rifles which had warned them against carrying statements by militant groups, especially the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), since it had been declared as a terrorist organisation by the Centre. It is reprehensible that the Assam Rifles sought to censor the newspapers by threatening to punish them under the Unlawful Prevention of Activities Act (1967) if they violated the order.”
Editors Guild of India said, “It is common knowledge that newspapers being published in zones having unresolved issues and conflict, there are many views and opinions that are expressed. While everyone appreciates that police has a role to play in maintain law and order, it is important for newspapers in the spirit of fairness and objectivity to report divergent opinions after due diligence and with responsibility. Any restrictions on coverage of legitimate news or effort to silence the media is as an assault on the freedom of the Press which the Editors Guild condemns.”
The Editors Guild urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and lift the order in the interest of press freedom.
“The Guild views positively the offer of Nagaland media houses to work with the democratically elected Government of Nagaland on issues that would enable the media to function freely and address any objections in a peaceful and constructive manner’ added Editors Guild of India post holders.
Statement was signed by Raj Chengappa- President, Prakash Dubey-General Secretary and Seema Mustafa-Treasurer of Editors Guild of India.

Hastakshep