Several organisations have expressed concern and condemnation over the reported rebuke of a journalist by deputy chief minister Y. Patton during a public programme at Tchuchanphen village, Wokha district on August 23.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep concern over the incident involving Patton, during a public programme at Tchuchanphen village, Wokha district. In a statement, NPCC said Patton was reportedly seen berating a member of the media fraternity while the latter was discharging his professional duty.
While leaders and the media may at times have differences, NPCC said such matters must be addressed through dialogue grounded in mutual respect.
It said journalists played a crucial role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable, often under challenging circumstances. Therefore, it asserted that both leaders and citizens must uphold an atmosphere of decorum and civility when dealing with differences or perceived shortcomings involving the media community. NPCC urged Patton to reflect on the incident and ensure that such situations do not recur in the future. “Respect for the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democratic ethos, and we trust that all leaders will uphold this fundamental principle,” the committee stated.
MPC: Mokokchung Press Club (MPC) has expressed deep concern over instances where journalists face intimidation or harassment while carrying out their professional duties, stating that such actions not only undermine the dignity of the profession but also threaten the freedom of the press.
In a statement, MPC said it was disturbed by the public rebuke directed at a Hornbill TV reporter during a meeting on August 23 by deputy chief minister Y. Patton, followed by his subsequent clarification disputing the report in question.
While disagreements over facts may arise, MPC said addressing them through intimidation or denial of access was unacceptable in a democracy, and that such disputes must be resolved through the right of reply and established institutional channels, not from the podium.
MPC reminded that journalists have both the right and responsibility to ask questions, seek clarity, and report events without fear of reprisal. Any attempt to silence or restrict the press, it said, undermines not only the profession but also public’s fundamental right to information.
At the same time, MPC asserted that it was the responsibility of the media to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and accountability in the discharge of its duties.
The club called for collective respect towards journalists and reiterated that a free and independent press was non-negotiable in the functioning of any healthy democracy, adding that the press fraternity would continue to stand united against any attempt to undermine or intimidate its members.
Ex-LS candidate: Ex-Lok Sabha candidate Hayithung Bill Lotha has strongly condemned the “anti-democratic” conduct of deputy chief minister Y. Patton.
Hayithung termed Patton’s action as “distasteful, harmful and highly condemnable in a democratic polity,” adding that intimidating and singling out a journalist amounted to hate speech and public shaming. He stated that the concerned journalist was simply carrying out his professional duty and such acts undermine the freedom of the press, the fourth pillar of democracy.
Calling upon leaders to uphold press freedom, Lotha urged that journalists must be allowed to perform their responsibilities without fear or harassment.