Skip to content Skip to navigation

Naga Editors' statement on Assam Rifles's diktat

On October 25 2015, Editors of five Nagaland-based media houses were issued a notification by a Colonel of the General Staff for Assam Rifles. Given the gravity of the matters raised in the notification we, the Editors of various English and Indigenous language newspapers of Nagaland have taken the communication as an opportunity to reflect, consult and critically examine what our role is in these circumstances.


It is our understanding that the General Staff for Assam Rifles is concerned about three critical issues: (a) that through our reporting of press statements by NSCN-K, we have, in effect, intentionally or unintentionally supported unlawful association; (b) we have violated the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967; and (c) by publishing statements by banned organizations, we are, ipso facto, complicit in the organizations’ illegal activities. These are serious charges indeed that merit a response from the Nagaland-based media and the wider media fraternity.


In the following paragraphs, we respectfully describe our role as media organizations functioning in an environment of conflict where the search for peace and justice is a critical component of our collective vision and mission in Nagaland.



  1. As Editors, our reporting has always been guided by a free, fair, forthright, sensitive and unbiased approach as we work both within the backdrop of Naga history and our current reality. Such an approach to journalism ensures that reporting is impartial and inclusive to the fullest extent, provides opportunities for constructive engagement and, where possible, promotes healthy debates and dialogues on the difficult issues and challenges that Nagaland faces. Pursuant to this mission, we, the Editors and Journalists, are always open to critical feedback that can help improve our media practice.

  2. When we have reported news by, or from, banned organizations, we have done so in the spirit of transparency, inclusivity and fairness so that the surfacing divergent opinions can promote dialogue and constructive engagement among diverse groups in Nagaland. History shows that at no point has the spirit or letter of our publications intentionally sought to support a banned organization or to incite and promote violence, or was biased in nature.

  3. It is within this context that the Editors are concerned by the suggestion that in our reporting we, in effect, support unlawful association and are complicit in illegal activities. Is this an attempt to censor, weaken and ultimately silence the role of the media in Nagaland? We believe that the Assam Rifles shares our vision that the citizens of Nagaland have the basic and inalienable right to be informed, to listen to all voices on matters that affect their daily lives, and to make informed decisions pursuant to the dream we all share of a Nagaland that is thriving, peaceful and democratic.

  4. Further, by implying that the Nagaland-based media is supporting a particular banned organization, the Assam Rifles is, ipso facto, jeopardizing the personal safety and well being of the Editors and the media fraternity in Nagaland. We want to believe that this is not the spirit or intent of the notification letter dated October 25, 2015.

  5. We wish to reiterate that the notification needs to be viewed within the context of the long standing Indo-Naga issue, which historians and scholars have noted is one of the oldest political conflicts in the world. We fully appreciate the historical reality within which we live and work that has many forces as the pursuit of peace and justice has involved multiple actors and stakeholders who have their share of competing interests and positions as well. 

  6.  However, the media in Nagaland has remained non-partisan, impartial and independent by upholding indigenous and internationally accepted values of non-violence, democracy and peace. With the print media being the primary means of mass-communication in Nagaland, we have carefully and diligently ensured that the editorial process – individually and collectively – acts responsibly, without prejudice, and is guided by universally recognized standards and ethical norms of journalism. We seek to make critical editorial decisions in ways that encourage healthy, peaceful and constructive engagement. 


It is in this spirit that on this occasion of the National Press Day, which is commemorated on November 16 of every year, we, the Editors of various English and Indigenous language newspapers in Nagaland, take this opportunity to reflect and assert our role as an independent and responsible free press, and to affirm our commitment as the fourth pillar of democracy. We remain open to critical feedback, and believe that the free flow of information and ideas is essential for contributing to mutual understanding and peace in Nagaland.


Hence, as proponents of the free press supporting our commitment to the right to freedom of speech and expression, peace, democracy and economic empowerment, we shall:



  1. remain impartial and non-partisan while exercising our editorial independence that is free from all influences by State, Non-State and Corporate entities;

  2. continue to create and provide responsible and healthy spaces and opportunities that are open to diverse viewpoints in a sincere and sensitive manner without infringing on the news quality or the potential for constructive engagement;

  3. continue to uphold and safeguard values and practices of non-violence, democracy, liberty, inclusivity and peace;

  4. continue to practice universally acceptable standards and ethics of journalism, in particular peace journalism, while upholding the right to freedom of speech and expression;

  5. continue to exercise the right of free press – which also includes the right to freely gather and distribute news,  information and ideas without restrictions; and

  6. continue reporting events ethically with transparency, accountability and objectivity by verifying and authenticating our sources of information while respecting the principle of confidentiality.


As Nagaland-based media houses, we hold ourselves responsible to the Press Council of India. Furthermore, in order for the media in Nagaland to uphold democratic values, protect the right to a free press, and to creatively examine our role in the complex and challenging situation in Nagaland, we are open to meeting and exploring with democratically elected members of the Government of Nagaland on issues that would enhance an environment where the media can function freely and where any issues that any party might object to – like the notification from Assam Rifles – can be addressed in a peaceful and constructive way.


Finally, by no means should this joint statement be misconstrued as a tacit support, or against any group in Nagaland.


 


Monalisa Changkija, Nagaland Page                    
Geoffery Yaden, Nagaland Post                         
Witoubou Newmai, Eastern Mirror
K. Temjen Jamir, Tir Yimyim 
M. Kire, Capi 
Dr. Aküm Longchari, The Morung Express 


Dated: November 15, 2015

Add new comment

Random Stories

Ushering of Agriculture in BTC

17 Oct 2015 - 7:50pm | Hantigiri Narzary
An interactive session with central SFAC from New Delhi was held at BTC secretariat, Bodofa Nwgwr in Kokrajhar on Saturday. Agriculture officials participated and shared about more production of...

SOB, Assam kicks off coaches’ training

7 Nov 2016 - 4:29pm | Syed Miraz Ahmed
The Special Olympics Bharat, Assam Chapter Sunday kicked off its Community Coaches' Training Program at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai, Guwahati in a bit to implement the New Scheme....

1 dead in elephant attack

5 May 2013 - 10:23am | AT News
One person died and ten others have been injured when a herd of wild elephant unleashed terror in Golaghat district on Sunday. The incident took place at Telgorom area in Numoligarh where a herd of...

3 people killed in Sibasagar due to Naga aggression

6 Jul 2007 - 9:21am | editor
A group of Naga people suspected to be sympathisers and supporters of of NSCN (I-M) attacked villagers on the Assam side in Sonapur, Borholla and Dhekiajuli on Assam-Nagaland border under Geleky...

Other Contents by Author

The Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre (IESC) at IIM Shillong recently organized a sponsored bootcamp aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of the North East Region (NER). The five-day residential program, held on the picturesque campus of IIM Shillong, concluded successfully on May 5th. The bootcamp, attended by 55 ambitious and energetic participants from both within and outside the region, focused on equipping them with essential skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, business modeling, market dynamics, and leadership qualities. As part of its commitment to the development of the NER, IIM Shillong's IESC initiated this funded bootcamp to provide aspiring...
A Special Leave Petition under Article 136 of the Constitution of India has been filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India by advocate Arif Jwadder. The petition appeals against the Gauhati High Court's disposal of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an independent investigation into all fake encounters that took place from May 2021 onwards. The petitioner's counsel, Prashant Bhushan, filed the petition. The Assam government had admitted to 171 police encounters in its affidavit dated 29.09.2022, wherein 56 people died and 145 were injured from May till August 2022. The death toll has increased since then. Despite the material placed on record, the Gauhati High Court didn't...
Mizoram University and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham have partnered to launch science, technology and innovation (STI) hubs in the Aizawl and Serchip districts of Mizoram. Funded by the Indian Department of Science...
On 12th December 2022, a devastating fire broke out suddenly at the village called Upper Sonowal of Majuli district in Assam, leaving a trail of destructions among the affected people. The crisis had pushed the affected into an extreme grim situation as they lost everything in the fire. The tragedy had affected vulnerable communities who are also the victims of recurrent floods and river erosions of the island. Following a Rapid Need Assessment (RNA) at the affected community, NEADS had activated its fire tragedy response among the affected communities of the crisis-ravaged areas. With funding from Start Fund, NEADS had undertaken the humanitarian assistance among the affected peoples,...
The Assamese community in Chennai celebrated the Rongali Bihu festival on Sunday, 16th April, 2023 with great zeal and enthusiasm. The event was organized by the Assam Association Chennai (AAC) and was held at the Blue Lagoon resort located at ECR, Chennai. The Rongali Bihu festival is an important cultural event in the state of Assam, which marks the start of New Year and agricultural season for the community. It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Assamese people, who come together to celebrate their culture and traditions. The Assamese community in Chennai, gathered at the Blue Lagoon resort to celebrate the festival, where various games were organized, including...
Guwahati. WWF-India Assam State Office organized an evening program at Dighali pukhuri park with a walkathon and a performance by WWF volunteers and Assam Earth Hour Influencer Arghadeep Baruah and his band, "Bottle Rockets India", who performed using solar lights and candles on March 25. In addition to these landmarks, the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, issued a written message appealing to citizens to join in observing Earth Hour. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma also participated by working with candlelight at Janata Bhavan. The Education Department of Assam supported Earth Hour by advising schools to participate in the campaign. Historical monuments...
Earth Hour India, in collaboration with HSBC, BYCS India Foundation, EPAM, GCC, and Decathlon-Guwahati, will host a nationwide cycling event called "Pedal for the Planet" on March 25, 2023. The event aims to raise awareness about Earth Hour and promote a healthier, greener, and more sustainable lifestyle. The event will take place in 12 cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, with the goal of creating the Biggest Hour for Earth. People of all ages are encouraged to participate and support the cause of Earth Hour. Dr. Bhairrvi Joshi of the BYCS India Foundation emphasized the importance of cycling as a solution to the urban challenges of physical, mental, and...
Assam-based ensemble Tunetellers has made history with the release of their latest Assamese song, "O' Mon". Composed of award-winning singer-songwriter Rupam Bhuyan, lyricist and poet Sasanka Samir, and music producer Jim Ankan Deka, Tunetellers has introduced a new concept called 'Kothare-Gannere Exondhya', which immerses audiences in poetry and music for a two-hour live musical event. "O' Mon" was recorded live outdoors using a 360° camera, making it the first of its kind in the history of Indian music. Produced by Pragyan Bezbaruah of Pocket Friendly Productions and shot by Music Malt Studios, the video was filmed on the private property of Aabeli Ghat in Tatimara village, Assam, next...
The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Rural Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop skilled manpower for the Ayush healthcare system. The agreement aims to enable rural youth to become a skilled workforce in the sector. In the first phase, the program will train 22,000 rural youths in FY2023-24, with a minimum placement guarantee of 70%. The signing ceremony was attended by Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Giriraj Singh. The program will provide rural youth with an opportunity to be trained in the National Skills Qualification Framework-aligned courses available on the National Qualification Register under the Deen Dayal Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (...
The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) Assam State 2023-2026 Silver Jubilee Committee was sworn in on Sunday at the Moni Kumar Subba Bhawan in Guwahati, with 51 members elected to the committee. The committee is led by President Amar Adhikari from Guwahati, Working President Mohan Lal Sharma from Tinsukia, and Secretary General Nanda Kirati Dewan from Golaghat. In a congratulatory speech, chairman of Gorkha Development Council (GDC), Government of Assam, Prem Tamang appreciated the work of the Parisangh nationally and activities of Assam state. The first Extended Executive Meeting resolved to take up the issue of NRC blocked biometrics. According to Nanda Kirati Dewan, Secretary General,...