ITANAGAR, Oct 20: The state press bodies on Thursday imposed indefinite ban on Adi Baane Kebang, Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wings and all the organisations affiliated to it including AdiSU and women’s wings and the district units till further order.
The unprecedented decision was taken by the state press bodies against ABK and its affiliated bodies after an emergency meeting held at Press Club on Thursday, following the expiry of deadline of seven days ultimatum served to Adi Bane Kebang and its youth wings pertaining to arbitrary ban on The Arunachal Times in East Siang district and intimidating show cause notice served by ABKYW on October 8, 2017.
Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Electronic Media Association (AEMA) had demanded the ABKYW to immediately lift the ban on distribution of The Arunachal Times in East Siang district and tender public apology with explanation for its actions within seven days.
An FIR was also lodged at the Itanagar Police Station against the ABK youth wings members for involving in the act of chopping and burning The Arunachal Times newspapers in Indira Gandhi Park, and against the person(s) who uploaded the video of it in social media sites, while inciting communal hatred against the particular daily.
The press fraternity further expressed concern at growing intolerance and unprecedented hostilities against the media in the state by various organisations and their attempt to dictate the press.
The members present in the meeting also expressed concern at the fact that organisations had twisted the Lower Siang district creation issue to such an extent that it is being made to appear that it is them versus the state media. Whereas, the state media has nothing to do with creation of districts, the press bodies stated.
Justifying the harsh step against the particular organisation, the fraternity maintained that ample time has been given to ABK and its youth wing to correct their mistakes.
“The media fraternity has waited enough, after the video went viral expecting ABK (apex) would intervene, as the youths tend to make mistakes. However, ABK being the parental council of Adi community did not react” said APC President Chopa Cheda.
“We have been compelled to take harsh decision against ABK and its affiliated organisations to send a clear messages that press don’t belong to any community. However, our decision to ban ABK and its affiliated organisations shouldn’t be misinterpreted that the ban is against Adi community, Cheda clarified.
“Our fight is against all those organisations functioning on communal lines and for attempting to dictate the state press, he added.
The press bodies further stated that whoever tries to communalise a newspaper or news channel in order to achieve their nefarious mentality, would not be tolerated.
