Editor arrested, Shillong journos demands unconditional release

Shillong, Sep 7 (UNI) The editor of a local English bi-weekly in Meghalaya was arrested for publishing a letter accusing the West Garo hills district administration and police of cattle trafficking in connivance with smugglers yesterday.

Police here today said Utpal Chandra, was arrested from his office at Ringrey area in West Garo Hills districts.

Chandra had published an e-mailed letter, in the 'Letter to Editor' column on August 28 issue of ''The Voice of Garo Hills'', that had detailed accounts of cattle being smuggled to Bangladesh.

It also alleged that the entire racket was running in league with the administrative and police officials in the district.

The letter had also mentioned that more than 10,000 cows and bulls ,brought from Uttar Pradesh, were smuggled everyday to Bangladesh through this district.

Rubbishing the entire allegation, the district administration, had asked the editor to publish an unconditional apology on the front page for tarnishing the image of the district administration and the individuals named therein.

Chandra, however, said he believed that the 'Letters to Editor' columns were meant for publication of the views of the people, but he offered to publish any rejoinder on the said letter.

Meanwhile, the Shillong-based journalists viewed the arrest of Chandra with serious concerns and have demanded his immediate release unconditionally.

UNI