Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 15:
While highlighting the indispensability of freedom of press in a democratic set-up Ireibak daily newspaper said inclusion or non-inclusion of Meetei Mayek script news item in its publication should be the prerogative of the news paper establishment.
Referring to the MEELAL deadline served upon the State daily, Ereibak in a statement contended that at no time had the daily violated any clause of the agreement signed between the script agitation spearhead and representatives of the AMWJU and Editors� Forum Manipur on March 14.Elucidating on the contents of the agreement it said, �free-will� of concerned newspaper establishment was clearly mentioned in �respecting, honouring and popularising� Meetei Mayek through publication of news item on either the front page or at any convenient page of the newspapers.
Nowhere did the deal agreed on compulsory inclusion of news item in the daily editions in Meetei Mayek script, insisted Ireibak.
As �free-will� undoubtedly suggest prerogative of respective news paper establishment to begin publication at their will and convenience the decision on the matter should be left to the daily and under no circumstances should pressure be mounted or diktats issued against the paper.
On role of media, it observed that despite previous instances of pressure the Ireibak stood and will continue to shoulder responsibility of preserving sanctity of free of press.
As objective of the Ireibak is upholding ethics and principle of ensuring dissemination of information as the Fourth Estate the daily accords equal importance to strengthening freedom of press in the interest of the society, asserted the daily while adding that inspite of attempt to intervene upon freedom of press the will of the people had always triumphed when it mattered.