News portal ‘East Mojo’ was blacklisted by the NSCN (I-M) for showing disrespect to the latter’s repeated requests for unqualified apology to the October 1 news on the alleged meeting between NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser Th. Muivah, Nagaland Dy chief minister Y. Patton and T.R. Zeliang leader of NPF legislature party.
MIP said though the news surprised NSCN (I-M) yet it exercised restraint and showed courtesy to contact East Mojo to refute the report. Instead, MIP said the portal’s editor was defiant and hinted that NSCN (I-M) should issue a rejoinder.
When it was pointed out to the portal that ato kilonser Th.Muivah would not stoop so low as to “meddle in state politics” as he was heavily occupied with achieving a breakthrough in finding a solution to the “vexed Indo-Naga political issue.”
MIP said the portal was also reminded that if it defied its request, as deemed necessary by journalism ethics, then NSCN(I-M) might have to resort to blacklisting East Mojo. MIP also said repeated requests were made to the portal for issuing an unqualified apology for the baseless and fabricated report.
MIP said what caused indignation was that East Mojo “sensationalised the news report” by dragging the name of NSCN(I-M) ato kilonser but despite request for apology, “East Mojo continue to act stubborn.” After having done its part to bring East Mojo to “respect our sentiment” the portal revealed its unapologetic mentality and therefore, it has been blacklisted with immediate effect.