DIMAPUR: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has taken note of reports and allegations raised by Global Window and Nagaland News Network regarding their non-invitation to the press conference held at Hotel Saramati on August 22 in connection with the forthcoming two-day national seminar on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873.
NSF clarified that there was no intention to exclude, restrict or discriminate against any media house, print or digital, from participating in the press meet or any NSF programme. The press meet was convened to announce the national seminar scheduled for August 28 and 29 at Town Hall, Dimapur, organised through the NSF’s Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC).
NSF said it respects the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and recognises the importance of a free, responsible and independent press. It said its media cell is empowered to coordinate with media representatives and provide information and clarification on NSF activities.
In the present instance, the media cell inadvertently left out several media houses while coordinating invitations, which NSF described as an administrative oversight and not a deliberate act of exclusion. It said no restriction was placed on any media house attending the press conference, and media representatives present were free to participate and seek clarifications.
NSF also pointed out that an important meeting was underway at the venue before and after the press conference, with officials present throughout. It said the concerned media platforms did not approach the media cell or officials before the event regarding their invitation or participation.
NSF further noted that GW had recently been exclusively invited by NSF to an event at Molungyimsen village, where no concern over selective media participation had been raised. NSF categorically rejected allegations that it was restricting media freedom, had any personal grudge against any media organisation or sought to avoid questions concerning ILP, BEFR or related issues.
It urged media houses to uphold verification, fairness and balance and to seek clarification before attributing motives. It said the forthcoming BEFR seminar was an important platform for informed discussion and should remain focused on substantive issues. NSF reiterated that there was no restriction on any media, print or digital, participating in its programmes, press conferences or public engagements and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media towards informed public discourse.
Monday, August 24, 2026