The sudden decision of the Garo Hills Citizens’ Forum (GHCF) to impose restrictions on the sale of two prominent newspapers published from Shillong has reportedly not gone down too well causing a lot of resentment amongst the readers and also the general public.
The GHCF has called for a boycott of The Shillong Times English daily and its sister concern The Salantini Janera, a Garo daily beginning from Tuesday last. The boycott is based on the claim that the two papers were being biased and unethical in their work.
What is of concern is that pressure tactics is being used to prevent the sale of the papers in question, which to say the least, is totally uncalled for. Such constraints on the press are tantamount to censorship and it takes away the freedom of expression, curtails circulation and thereby narrowing the scope of dissemination of information. There is no doubt that restrictions are imposed in the interest of security of state, public order, decency and morality or news which is an incitement to an offence. There are specific legal provisions in place for the government to enforce any anomaly, if there is any, arising out of the media’s functioning. Unless the government steps in, based on concrete evidence, even a citizens’ forum should not be allowed to dictate what should appear in print.
It is also a good time to assess the role of the press in the present circumstance. Newspapers should be able to play a constructive role by disseminating authentic information based on objectivity. This can greatly help in the formation of a healthy public opinion among the people. But sometimes the press also tends to indulge in yellow journalism by publishing highly sensational, biased and coloured news just to create excitement among the people. Spreading rumors and indulging in mudslinging on the part of the press is definitely not the mandate given to the press and this must be curbed.
The foremost duty of a newspaper should be truthful and objective reporting of news and views. However when newspapers are themselves controlled by external forces, they try to give a tainted and distorted version of the news to serve their own interest.
The press should not be afraid of upholding and supporting a just and righteous cause. It should not be afraid of criticizing the government in a healthy manner nor should it be afraid of influential people. The press has to be eternally vigilant to bring out issues of concern to people and give a voice to the voiceless. It should give a balanced view of things so that people can be assisted in the formation of a healthy public opinion.
But like all other freedoms, the freedom of the press should also not be used as a license. It should not be misused to create a situation that undermines public opinion in any way. The Press as a rule must also observe certain self-imposed limitations on itself. Beyond that it must be allowed to function independently and not dictated upon.
