New Delhi (Agency): he Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly criticized the lodging of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Editors Guild of India (EGI) chief and three members of a fact-finding committee. These individuals were involved in examining media reporting of the ethnic violence in Manipur. The PCI asserts that the FIR is counterproductive and urges its immediate withdrawal to focus on restoring peace in the state.
The Manipur Police initiated the FIR against the EGI members, including president Seema Mustafa, and the fact-finding committee for allegedly contributing to further clashes within a region already grappling with ethnic unrest for nearly four months. The Press Club of India condemns this approach, stating that it is more akin to targeting the messenger rather than addressing the underlying issues causing the strife. In a formal statement, the PCI demands the removal of the FIR against the EGI president and the three committee members.
Furthermore, the PCI highlights the application of Section 66A of the Information and Technology Act by the Manipur police, despite the Supreme Court having invalidated this provision. The PCI views this as a strong-arm tactic by the state government, indicating an attempt to intimidate the foremost media institution in the nation.
The Editors Guild of India’s fact-finding committee scrutinized the media’s coverage of the ethnic violence in Manipur, revealing some troubling observations. The committee’s report emphasized that journalists in the northeastern state tended to present one-sided reports, with restricted internet access hindering communication among them. Additionally, the state government was implicated in taking a biased stance during the ethnic conflict.
The committee, composed of EGI members Seema Guha, Bharat Bhushan, and Sanjay Kapoor, also highlighted a concerning trend where media outlets in Manipur appeared to align their narratives along ethno-cultural lines. This convergence among editors to adopt a common narrative could potentially exacerbate the already precarious situation. The report indicated that such an approach, albeit driven by a desire to avoid further agitation, might inadvertently lead to the formation of a uniform ethnic narrative.
The media’s reliance on the state government’s account was notable due to the suspension of internet services and disruptions in communication and transportation. This reliance led to a narrative that predominantly favored the majority Meitei community’s perspective. The report further criticized the state government’s actions, including allowing the Manipur Police to file an FIR against the Assam Rifles, suggesting a lack of coordination within the government’s ranks.
