The unyielding battle between the factions of proscribed KCP, Sunil Meitei and Kesho Meitei groups has once again shown a sign of chocking and gagging news and media houses of Manipur.
On Saturday morning a fresh threat to shut media houses emanated from KCP-MC Kesho Meitei faction.
Some unidentified youths today went about issuing threats nonchalantly to media houses declaring that until and unless a workable agreement is arrived at between All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and KCP-MC Kesho Meitei faction on the issue, media houses should stop function and publishing news.
To this effect, a general body meeting is being called for Sunday at Manipur Press Club at 1:00 pm to discuss the matter. The question on whether or not to publish news from November 22 will also be the agenda on Sunday.
On Friday, AMWJU and editors of various media houses had convened a meeting following threats from the dagger-drawn factions of KCP wherein a resolution was taken not to publish any press release issued by KCP factions until November 27 on which day another meeting of scribes will again be convened.
A release to this effect was also published by AMWJU yesterday appealing to all parties concerned to refrain from imposing on the media houses.
It must be mentioned that towards the end of October, media fraternity of the State had been placed in similar sticky situation by the same factions of KCP-MC over the issue of publication of their press releases.
Coming out strongly against the diktat, people from the press had taken to the street protesting against the wanton act of gagging the press.
A memorandum was also submitted to the chief minister with the Chief Minister assuring the press that an appropriate solution will be sought for.
Newspapers in the State of Manipur stayed off the stands and media houses closed their shops for three consecutive days as a mark of protest.
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