ITANAGAR, Oct 22: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist (APUWJ) has condemned the act to regulate certain conditions of service on working journalists by Lower Subansiri District Deputy Commissioner Bamin Nime and also questioning the professional integrity of working journalists by terming it as ‘immature’ and ‘intruder’.
The order issued by the DC on 22 October 2022, against the fourth pillar is a move to suppress the freedom of press. It clearly indicates that the DC is trying to suppress the voice of the press. APUWJ condemns the allegations levelled against the media fraternity of the state and demands the invalidation of the order, as soon as possible. Journalists have every right to question anyone irrespective of gender, profession, and official status. Ordering journalists & citizens on what & how questions can be asked of authorities is akin to issuing diktats in authoritarian regimes.
Moreover, journalists are well aware of media ethics and have been working cordially along with the state government for many decades. The order issued by the DC itself is ‘immature’ and an effort to ‘intrude’ into the rights of journalists.
APUWJ questions why should a journalist approach DIPRO when the authorised person to speak to the media is the deputy commissioner. Are DIPROs authorised to comment on behalf of DCs on any & every administrative matters? If so, the said DC should issue a notification directing his DIPRO to speak on behalf of the DC on every matter to avoid meeting journalists. In such case, the DC should also direct his DIPRO to accurately & thoroughly answer all questions raised by journalists instead of simply saying ‘No comments’ or ‘will have to ask the DC’.
APUWJ has learnt that a reporter for News Z Channel-Digital, Priyanka Rai, had questioned the DC on the absence of government officials during office hours. 
A simple verbal answer would have sufficed in the matter. However, instead, the DC later issued an order in response to the question put forth.
This immature and childish act is unbecoming and APWUJ condemns such dictatorial acts.
Moreover, APUWJ has learnt that it was the DC who had issued the order dated 13 October, 2022, where it is mentioned that every government official should arrive at office by 9.00 am.
Hence, the question placed by the reporter was in context to his order. So, APUWJ as a collective finds it difficult to comprehend the immaturity in the question or any act of intrusion.
In fact, the union questions the DC as to how is a journalist attacking someone’s personal liberty and freedom, simply by asking questions that relates to his order.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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