Police and media
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: January 07, 2011 -
Intimidating the media, whether by UG groups or by the police is a grave threat to democracy. The media in Manipur has been under constant threat.
The latest in a series of intimidations occurred when police personnel in plain-clothes arrested editor of Sanaleibak daily, A Mobi on the alleged charge of being an activist of an underground group, as a result of which publication of newspapers and broadcasting of news in the local TV cable network was suspended for six days continuously.
Both police and the public recognise that the police cannot desist from being used by the regime in power and that it acts at their bidding rather than in accordance with the law.
The police has been used to stifle opposition, to cover up failures of the ruling party and to protect its friends. Political interference is rife in the local level, in the higher echelons and in everyday functioning.
Most people know this. The incentive is the benefit from a powerful political patronage. Honest officers who discern their duty as serving without bias, fear of disfavour and find themselves labelled as uncooperative, difficult and unhelpful and are sidelined into non-operational roles.
On the other hand, it is right to say that society in general would be a poor place without journalists, both local and national. The role they perform in holding public authorities to account is crucial to a democracy and they can foster change on a big scale.
None would want to live in a world where the media is suppressed or controlled. Although no one likes to be exposed of wrong doings or embarrassed by the media, it still beats the alternative where public bodies can do what they want without fear of exposure.
The relationship between the police and the media will continue to evolve. We are optimistic that the traditions of policing and journalism can continue to co-exist for the good of everybody.
We believe that a responsible and effective partnership with the media is vital in any democratic set-up.
It depends on that partnership to carry out one's responsibilities. Let us not forget that everyone including the police and the people need the media.
A just and a free and fearless media is the pillar of any democracy.
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