NETv ''doubtful'' about Asom govt's sincerity in checking ULFA

New Delhi, Feb 1 (UNI) The North East Television (NETv), which has been warned by the ULFA to wrap up its operations in Asom, today expressed ''serious doubts over the ability and intention'' of the state government to check the activities of the outlawed ultra outfit.

The NETv, the only satelite news channel catering to the eight NE states, has been threatened by the ULFA.

The militant outfit has asked the NETv to leave Asom within 40 days if it failed to prove that the State government had ''bought peace with the ULFA'' for peacefully conducting the 33rd National Games in the State from February 9 to 18.

Talking to newspersons, NETv Chairperson and Managing Director Manoranjana Singh said, '' it is an amazing coincidence that state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed his anger against the NETv for telecasting certain stories and threatened to sue the news cannel and the very next day, the channel received an E-mail from the ULFA chief asking the authorities concerned to prove their allegations or leave the State within 40 days.'' She alleged that the ULFA cadres were being ''misguided and misused'' by certain political groups.

Ms Singh said her TV channel would not stop telecasting ''what is true and would continue to highlight corruption in society without any fear and favour''.

The news channel has already submitted memorandums to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Home Secretary V K Duggal and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, urging immediate action against the ULFA for its attempt to gag the press, she added.

UNI