Imphal, June 9: Press Council of India (PCI) today commenced hearing of different cases on journalist’s safety across the country at its conference hall at Lodhi Road, New Delhi today. General Secretary of Editor Guild’s Manipur, Yumnam Rupachandra is attending the hearing as the PCI intimated for his presence at the hearing to recount the hardship faced by the journalists in Manipur. PCI had taken up a Suo moto cognizance with regards to threats received by media organisations, Editors and working journalists in Manipur particularly the bomb threat to Y Rupachandra by a proscribed armed group.
The 11 member penal of the PCI after hearing the Editors’ Guild General Secretary Yumnam Rupachandra’s statement has recommended setting up a SIT to prove aggression against journalists in Manipur as well as constituting a Rapid Action Team to look into the complaints of the journalists.
According to report reaching here the State government was represented by counsel Naresh Kumar. On the behalf of the Manipur government he reportedly prayed for more time to reply but was berated by the Chairman. Chairman asked him to take the matter seriously. He also gave Manipur government four weeks to reply. On the issue of NIA orders asking disclosure of sources he said the committee was examining it as it was already brought to the knowledge of committee but said the journalists were free to file a complaint.