PCI asks Asom govt to provide security to editors threatened by ULFA

New Delhi, Feb 2 (UNI) Taking suo motu cognizance of a threat by the banned ULFA to two editors and a news channel in Asom, the Press Council of India has asked the state authorities to provide security to the journalists.

Expressing concern over the directions issued by ULFA to editors of Guwahati based Assamese daily newspapers 'Dainik Agradoot' and 'Dainik Asom' to give up journalism and 'quit Asom' notice to satellite news channel NETV, the PCI has sought a detailed report in the matter from the editors and the Chief Secretary of the state on the incident.

The council felt that the directions issued by the outfit constituted a grave threat to the freedom of the press and initiated action in the matter as per the provisions in the Press Council (Procedure and Inquiry) Regulation, 1979.

ULFA had issued 'Quit Asom' notice to NETV for having allegedly running a story, charging it with taking money from the state government to allow peaceful holding of the 33rd National Games.

UNI