Shillong: Following comments made by the president of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) regarding two local news channels, the party’s youth wing has found itself embroiled in controversy after referring to a senior journalist as a “mynder” (foreigner).
The Shillong Press Club (SPC) and the Meghalaya Editors’ & Publishers Association (MEPA) have condemned a social media post by the VPP Youth Wing.
The post was made in response to one of the signatories who had called for an apology from VPP president Ardent M Basaiawmoit for his comments about the two news channels.
On January 15, 2025, during a public meeting in Nongstoiñ, West Khasi Hills District, Basaiawmoit criticised the reporting of T7 and Batesi TV, accusing the channels of misleading the public.
In reaction to his remarks, both SPC and MEPA called for an apology from the VPP president, with the letter being signed by SPC president Deimaia Siangshai and MEPA vice president Rajib Choudhury.
However, in retaliation, the VPP Youth Wing posted on social media, labeling Choudhury a “mynder” (foreigner).
The post also called for a two-wheeler rally on February 6 to protest the demand for an apology.
The two bodies, SPC and MEPA, responded strongly, asserting that Rajib Choudhury, a senior member of the press community with over 30 years of experience in Meghalaya, cannot be unfairly branded as a “mynder.”
They emphasised that Choudhury, who is accredited by the State Directorate of Information and Public Relations, has been an integral part of the local media for decades.
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In their joint statement, MEPA and SPC reiterated that the media in Meghalaya remains united, free from communalism or racism, and operates with integrity as the fourth pillar of democracy.
“It is, therefore, a racial insult to label a senior press member, who is a recognized Indian citizen, as an ‘outsider’ unless the VPP is suggesting that Indian citizens living in Meghalaya are considered foreigners,” they remarked.
The press organisations affirmed their commitment to upholding journalistic ethics, ensuring news is delivered impartially, without bias or undue political influence.
