Assam Rifles, stop this nonsense

The communication issued by the Assam Rifles to newspapers in Nagaland to desist from reporting on insurgent groups and publishing their statements is a crude attempt to curb the freedom of the media. The paramilitary organisation has also overreached its powers in laying down norms for editors to follow in the selection and publication of news. The Assam Rifles is the main security organisation that fights insurgency in the North-East. It has a difficult task, keeping a watch on insurgent groups, combating them, foiling their plans and ensuring the safety of citizens. But censorship of the media, which is what the directive to the newspapers amounts to, is not among the means it can employ in its operations. It told the newspapers that publication of the statements, demands and warnings issued by insurgent groups, especially the NSCN(K) faction which is active in the state, can be construed as providing support to the groups, and a violation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The paramilitary force’s warning to the newspapers is based on a clause in the Act which says that those who advocate, abet, advise or incite the commission of any unlawful activity or assist the operations of a banned organisation are liable for punishment. The provision is vague and has a wide ambit. Publication of the activities of insurgent groups or their statements cannot be interpreted to constitute an offence under this clause. In any case it is not for the Assam Rifles to sit in judgment over the import and implications of news carried by the media. The editors of the newspapers have said that reporting of news about or emanating from banned organisations is done in a “spirit of transparency, inclusivity and fairness” so that a diversity of views can promote dialogue and constructive engagement. Newspapers cannot black out views and activities of some sections, and thus lose their objectivity and credibility.

The media has as much stake in unity, peace and order in the country as the government and its agencies. Its free functioning is a key requirement even in the fight against insurgencies. The right to selection of news is best left to journalists who are capable of judging that makes for national interest, and know how to regulate themselves when needed. The Editors’ Guild has termed the diktat as ‘pernicious’ and newspapers in Nagaland have protested by carrying blank editorials. The Assam Rifles has explained that its letter was not a gag order but only a request. Even such a request is wrong and unwelcome.