Shillong: Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit is under scrutiny for allegedly defaming two prominent news channels in Meghalaya, t7 and Batesi TV.
The Shillong Press Club (SPC) and the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) have called on Basaiawmoit to issue an apology within five days, accusing him of endangering the safety of media personnel associated with these outlets.
In a joint statement, SPC and MEPA strongly condemned Basaiawmoit’s remarks made during a public meeting in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, on January 15, 2025.
They stated that his comments unfairly targeted the two news channels, putting the safety and security of their staff at risk.
“As journalists, we are committed to reporting on matters that concern the state and its citizens. Such baseless allegations jeopardise the security, credibility, and freedom of movement for media professionals,” the organisations said.
They further demanded a clarification regarding the claims made by Basaiawmoit, emphasising that the reports published by t7 and Batesi TV were factual and not intended to harm or discredit any individual or political entity.
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SPC and MEPA called for a formal apology from the VPP president, demanding it be issued within five days.
They warned that failure to do so would compel them to take appropriate action against Basaiawmoit and his party.
The two organisations also reiterated that no political party, social group, or individual could challenge the integrity of journalism or the ethical standards upheld by reporters and media outlets while carrying out their duties.
