IMPHAL, June 1: The Press Council of India has been moved to take suitable steps to make NIA withdraw its order served on some of the media houses in Manipur in connection with the May 22 ambush on Asssam Rifles at Joupi in Chandel.
A statement issued by AMWJU stated that soon after learning about the NIA summons served on the media to submit published newspaper, photos and e-mail headers in which CorCom had claimed the ambush, AMWJU strongly condemned the NIA action and immediately drew the attention of the IJU (Indian Journalist`s Union) and requested the national body to take reassuring steps to prevent such infringement upon the freedom of press.
Responding to the call of AMWJU, IJU filed a written complaint to Justice CK Prasad Chairman, PCI (Press Council of India) and described the NIA action as infringing upon the freedom of the press and meant to frighten the media fraternity, it said.
The national body moved the Council to take suo motu cognizance of the issue and take suitable steps to make the NIA withdraw its order and reassure the media and working journalists in Manipur, who are working under trying circumstances, it asserted.
As always AMWJU stands firmly for the welfare of the working journalists of the state and will always stand up against any action that amounts to curtailing the freedom of the press.