6 October 1998

Alert

New press censorship by government of Manipur


Incident details

censored


(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is protesting the new press censorship decided by the
Manipur government. According to RSF, during the first week of October 1998,
the government of the state of Manipur (northern India) ordered the local
media not to publish or distribute statements by the separatist guerillas.
The government's directive says that any newspaper which violates the order
will be "severely punished under the rule of law." There is apprehension
among local journalists that those who do not respect the censorship could
be imprisoned, although the authorities did not say anything about this as a
possible punishment.




Recommended Action


Send appeals to the Chief Minister:
  • reminding him that this type of directive is in complete contradiction
    with the international treaties signed and ratified by India
  • expressing concern about this censorship
  • asking him to use his influence to have this decision withdrawn and to
    ensure that journalists in Manipur can exercise their profession freely and
    without fear




    Appeals To



    His Excellency W. Nipamacha Singh
    Chief Minister
    State of Manipur
    India
    Fax: +91 385 22 01 36







    Please copy appeals to the source if possible.





    Source:

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