Ccpur Journalists unhappy with DC

"MJHU to suspend publication of newspapers with effect from May 23, 2020 issue until further notice."

PRESS RELEASE
Lamka: the 21st May, 2020

A crucial emergency meeting of the Editors of Lamka/CCpur-based daily newspapers under the MANIPUR HILL JOURNALISTS UNION (MHJU) was held on May 21, 2020 to deliberate on the emerging situation in the wake of Coronavirus (COVID-19) menace in the state of Manipur in general, and its sudden spurt during the last two day in CCpur district in particular. The meeting noted with serious concern the spiralling number of positive cases in the district, and the situation may go out of hand unless proactive and strict containment measures are initiated.

The meeting noted that though total lockdown was announced and enforced by the Centre and State government during Lockdown 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, all media-related activities were exempted from its preview. With the announcement of Lockdown 4.0 starting from May 18, the Manipur Chief Secretary, Dr.  J. Suresh Babu, in his office memorandum dated May 16, 2020 mentioned (para ii) that cancellation or restriction on movement does not apply to "members of the print and electronic media on production of Identity Cards."

Unfortunately, Shri Pawan Yadav, DC/DM, CCpur, in his prohibitory order dated 20th May, 2020 ignored the office memorandum of the Chief Secretary pertaining to the media fraternity and no exemption was made. As such, there is every likelihood in the disturbance of movement of reporters and hawkers in the discharge of their duties.

The media houses also noted with regret that the present DM/DC, unlike his predecessors, failed to acknowledge the existence of the press, and as such, important announcements and notices were not endorsed to the newspapers. The mismanagement of the returnees has resulted in the spurt in COVID-19 cases, and unless the District Administration takes up corrective steps, even the community at large is no longer safe.

With the situation delicately balanced and the media covered by the prohibitory order issued by the DC/DM, CCpur, the Editors, in the interest of the safety of all office staff, reporters and hawkers, have resolved to suspend publication of newspapers with effect from May 23, 2020 issue until further notice.

Sd/-
(LALMALSAWM SELLATE)  
Editor
Hmasawnna Thar 

Sd/-( S.NENGKHANLUN)
Editor  
Zogam Today

Sd/-( VICKY SUANTAK)  
Editor  
Nisin Thuhiltu

Sd/-( TH. THANGZALIAN)
Editor
The Lamka Post

Sd/-( L.CHINKHANLIAN)
Editor
Manipur Express

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