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www.morungexpress.com
friDAY • MAY 06 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 123 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes No wedding tents for child NH neglect in Tseminyu; marriages, Rajasthan suppliers vow RSZ warns of agitation PAGE 08
T R u T H
— John Wooden
Real braced for tough Atletico sequel in Milan finale
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is the nagaland Press free? • We must create our own ideals
• Critical reflections on press freedom in Nagaland
Morung Express News Dimapur | May 5
Along with an indifferent general public, there are several external and internal challenges to press freedom in Nagaland. This, a section of the press fraternity says, is hindering the healthy and vibrant progress of journalism in Nagaland. They share critical reflections in the backdrop of World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3 – a day which, among other things, celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom around the world.
How free is the press in Nagaland?
“Broadly speaking externalities like economic needs, political compulsion, socio-cultural and religious demands have narrowed press freedom in Nagaland,” says Monalisa Changkija, Editor of Nagaland Page. Asked whether these are outcomes of Nagaland’s “conflict” status, she notes, “It is obvious that the seeds of press freedom lie in this and so do the reasons for conflict. It’s like a tsunami effect.” Changkija elaborates that while talking about conflict, one must necessarily ask why “ours is a conflict zone” but cautions against using it as a convenient excuse. Every society has conflict one way or other, she reasons. Xavier Rutsa, a journalist with the Times of India says that despite all constraints and limitations, the media sector continues to grow. He, however, points to limitations and circumstances inhibiting the vibrancy of the press since it exists within a ‘tribalistic’ set-up. An apologetic Vibi Yhokha of The Morung Express notes that while the press has been lacking in many issues and the public has “every right to be angry at us,” they are also at fault. “When I think of freedom of the press in Nagaland, I think of the support
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
of the masses/people. If we have failed our people, our people have failed us too,” she asserts. H Chishi, a journalist with The Telegraph opines that there is little space to criticize and as an intricate society, nothing is black and white. Media is kept silent either through threats or defamation charges. “But things are positively changing over the years,” he maintains.
Investigative Journalism
Underlining the “lack” of investigative journalism in Nagaland, Chishi opines that, journalists in Nagaland are mostly paid “peanuts.” People don’t know the reality and whenever there are some stories, there is hardly any reaction from the public. “These factors greatly contribute to journalists not taking enough risks to come out with investigative stories.” People talk about lack of investigative journalism, but at the end of the day, in a small society like ours, there are certain constraints to investigate, Rutsa says, adding that often, sharing of information is limited and people are usually passive about stories. Look at the recent CAG Re-
elaborates. While agreeing with the others, Changkija points out the inherent internal deficiencies which she describes as “technicalities” inhibiting investigative journalism. How many trained journalists do we have here? “It is a highly specialized area which an average journalist cannot deal with. We don’t even have basic journalists, or, for that matter, how many of our editors started as cub reporters? These are all inter-related matters for investigative journalism. These are the technical problems,” she notes. As a result, she says, while the press lacks in-depth analysis of a subject, and follow-up stories, public also does not bother.
Challenges and concerns
For Changkija, a free press is not just from the government but society too. “We are products of the milieu. Instead of creating change, we follow. We do not provide leadership but mutely follow what is happening. We don’t create opinion but we give to people what they want.” Changkija also expresses concerns over the practice of
A combined effort
For Yhokha, if the people refuse to speak, reveal, provide the truth, the press can never be set free. As a journalist, I want the society to give us space to disseminate news freely, says Chishi. He also maintains that to have a vibrant democracy, media has to be anti-establishment sometime. We lack that in Nagaland State. “We need money but we have shackled ourselves to economic needs. In the process, we compromise merit,” Changkija claims. Talking about content like memoirs, felicitation and acknowledgment, Changkija said it is time we put integrity before economic needs. At the end of the day, Changkija concludes, “Freedom of the press is an ideal. Something that we should never stop having and striving towards.” For this, “we must create our own ideals.”
New DelhI, May 5 (IaNS): Several legal luminaries and media personalities on Wednesday advocated an end to the defamation law in India. They insisted that criminal defamation suites were preventing journalists, researchers and social and civil activists from carrying out their activities, generally perceived as threats by the corporates and the governments. Senior lawyer Fali S. Nariman cited the example of England and the United States which terminated their defamation laws long ago, terming them as “restrictions on the freedom of speech”. “There is no defamation law in England now. They abolished it long ago. Taking a cue from them, the US also brought a Speech Act recently which President Barack Obama signed,” Nariman said at the launch of a book ‘Sue the Messenger’ authored by senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta. Nariman said that “these countries feel that such laws obstruct peoples freedom of speech which is counted among the basic human rights in modern society”. Senior lawyer Karuna Nandi batted for stronger self-regulation by the Indian media and said that filthy language used by some brings everyone on the defamation radar. “It is the independent bloggers and freelancers
not associated with big publications who are the most vulnerable as they get chased down by the corporates,” Nandi said while asserting that selfregulation by the Indian press will shield everyone from the defamation laws. Public Relations honcho Dilip Cherian said that “criminal part of the journalists must be removed for everyone’s benefit”. “There are some accredited criminals who blackmail business houses in the name of journalism. The news channels must do away with their toothless regulatory bodies and replace them with something more effective and with a larger clout,” Cherian said. Environment activist Sunita Narayan said it is the social workers who remain at the receiving end of the defamation suites most of the times. “I have seen people, especially women scientists and activists who are single mothers or at the fag end of their lives, being threatened by criminal defamation. Their defeat at the hands of corporates have threatened others working independently. So much so that they have given up on their research and activism,” Narayan said. Thakurta, who moderated the discussion, vehemently opposed the defamation law. He said that his book will act as a guide for journalists facing defamation cases.
Two Indians shot dead in Myanmar; Nagaland to come up with vision document: CM tension grips border town of Moreh
IMphal May 5 (IaNS): Tension gripped the Manipur-Myanmar border town of Moreh after two Indian nationals were reportedly shot dead at Wuksu in Myanmar. Sources in Moreh told IANS that the bodies are yet to be handed over to the Indian authorities for identification. However, the security forces are not taking any chances in this sensitive border area. Security measures have been beefed up to avert any untoward incident. According to sources, the two That’s me before the prohi- Indian nationals, Mohammad bition in Nagaland. Kheruddin (28) and Mohammad Jalanuddin (32) from Moreh, had left for Myanmar on May 2 to catch fish in the mountain streams. But
India’s biggest cigarette maker shuts down plants
MUMBaI, May 15 (ReUteRS): India’s biggest cigarette maker ITC Ltd shut its plants from May 4 to comply with a new stipulated pictorial warnings rule issued by the center, the company said in a statement. India’s top court told tobacco companies they must adhere to a new federal rule requiring much larger health warnings on cigarette packs, in a major setback for the $11 billion industry. The court also transferred all petitions by cigarette manufacturers pending in various courts to the Karat High Court for further hearing. The companies had objected to the new federal rules. “...the Company has had to shut its cigarette factories from May 04, 2016 until the Company is in a position to comply with the interim requirements,” the statement said.
port; actions were needed from the public but nobody came forward, he points out. “In my three years of journalism in Nagaland, I have not witnessed the public taking action over the stories we have written. It is easy for people to compare, but here in Nagaland journalists are mired in insurgency, corrupt politics and bureaucracy, the military, and an indifferent public,” Yhokha further highlights. When trouble breaks out for the press, even fewer defend. Politicians routinely slap defamation charges against newspapers, which are then left to fend for themselves. Recently, when there was an army directive to the media leading to blank editorials carried by three newspapers in the State, very few people of the State stood by the press. “The people do not understand the limitations of working as a journalist in Nagaland - from our poorly paid salaries to the refusal of people to provide us the information and evidence we need to write the truth. The silence of the public has been most disappointing. For me personally, that’s the absence of hope especially for a journalist,” Yhokha
journalists receiving monetary benefits while reporting an event as “scandalous practice and against the ethos of the fourth estate.” “The very act of accepting such benefits feeds the externalities. It undermines the profession and freedom of press gets a bad beating. You do not become a journalist to get rich; it needs conviction and dedication.” For Rutsa, if a person is serious and really active in one’s profession, monetary consideration does not play a big role. Likewise, Changkija stipulates that despite all the external constraints, if one has integrity, strength of character, courage and conviction, one will do what s/he is supposed to. “Media in the State should now come out of plain reporting –‘he said this and that’—and we should start writing analytical and critical stories,” Chishi maintains, adding that media as a watchdog should not be a mouthpiece of any government.
Do away with defamation law, say legal and media luminaries
they never returned. On Wednesday night, two bullet-ridden bodies were reportedly found at Wuksu. Police sources told IANS that the district police superintendent is in touch with his Myanmarese counterpart. Once the bodies are handed over to police and proper identification done then the actual sequence of events may come to light, sources said. Meanwhile in a separate incident, unidentified insurgents hurled a China-made hand grenade at the house of retired chief engineer Akham Nilamani. Police believe that it may be a case of mistaken identity as a chit was left at the spot threatening another person. No group has so far claimed any responsibility.
seven year jail for wrong depiction of indian map New DelhI, May 5 (ptI): Depiction of a wrong map of India or showing Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) or Arunachal Pradesh as not a part of India on any online platform or physical documents could mean a stiff jail term of seven years along with an heavy fine of up to Rs 100 Crore, says a new law being proposed by the Narendra Modi government. The Centre is planning to soon bring the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill by which such tough provisions will be brought and any person or institution acquiring and disseminating any geospatial imagery or data of any part of India through space or aerial platforms will have to first seek permission and license from
a government authority. This could mean that online platforms like Google will have to apply for a license to run Google Maps or Google Earth in India. The government authority will run “sensitivity checks” on the imagery to protect India’s security and sovereignty. The law is meant to regulate the acquisition, dissemination, publication and distribution of geospatial information of India which is likely to affect the security, sovereignty and integrity of India, as per a draft. Geospatial Information has been defined as any imagery or data acquired through space or aerial platforms depicting natural or man-made physical features, phenomenon or boundaries. Details on Page 8
DIMapUR, May 5 (MexN): Nagaland is set to come up with an exclusive Vision Document for the state in line with India’s North East Vision 2020 and Act East Policy within 2-3 months. This was disclosed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang during a felicitation programme organised by Zeliang Officers’ Association at the Chief Minister’s official residence this evening. The CM, according to a press note from the CMO, said
that he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about this proposed exclusive Vision Document. The CM had informed the Prime Minister that India already has two exclusive policies for the NE states - North East Vision 2020 and Act East Policy, these were not implemented on the ground. Therefore, he felt it was necessary for Nagaland to have its own exclusive Vision Document in line with the two
policies for speedy development of the state. This Vision Document is expected to come up within two to three months times, the CM informed while urging people to contribute positive suggestions on any issues like health, education, roads, power, water supply, environment etc so that the State Government can inculcate in the Vision Document. The CM further said that
with the approval of six national highways, Nagaland can expect the best roads within the next five years. He added that with the construction of South East Express Highway in full swing, which is expected to pass through Nagaland, the state will become a main corridor. The CM further said that a “lot of developments are in the pipeline so people should have confidence in the Government and render full support.”
green PUghoBoto ProJect 24 villages under Pughoboto plant 17000 saplings Our Correspondent Kohima | May 5
In a bid to protect nature and help minimize the effects of climate change, 24 villages under Pughoboto sub-division of Zunheboto district today came in unison and planted 17,000 tree saplings. Different species of trees planted include Gold Mohur, Silver Oak, Nahor, Ashoka, Bottle Brush and other ornamental trees. This massive tree plantation drive is part of the ‘Green Pughoboto project,’ initiated by Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y Vikheho Swu under the Local Area Development Project 2016-17 along with the Subdivisional administration. “Nature is the greatest gift of God to mankind and therefore we should plant trees to protect the nature,” said Swu. “Even if we have wealth and good health but fail to protect
Roads and Bridges Minister, Vikheho Swu planting a sapling as part of the Green Pughoboto Project.
the nature, everything will be destroyed,” he added. The Minister cited the recent unseasonal heavy showers, thunderstorms, hailstones causing massive destruction to buildings and damaging crops in the state as effects of climate change.
Appealing people to stop felling of trees and to protect the eco-system, Swu encouraged everyone to plant at least ten trees if they cut one tree. Swu said through ‘Green Pughoboto’ “we want to communicate the very importance of planting trees and to promot-
ing a healthy environment.” Expounding on the benefits of planting trees, he said, “Trees provide oxygen, food, habitats for animals and also helps in recharging ground water level and prevention of soil erosion. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing in natural elements and also create an aesthetically pleasing and peaceful environment.” The Minister also urged the citizens to nurture the plants until they attain maturity. Informing that he will periodically visit the places where trees have been planted, he further disclosed that those who preserve the plants properly will get award. Pughoboto Additional Deputy Commissioner, Avelu Ruho stressed on the need to minimize the practice of shifting cultivation so as to bring sustainability for agricultural outputs and facilitate conducive environment for the people.