Uncertainty looms large over National Press Day Celebration

Port Blair, Oct 29 (UNI) Uncertainty looms large over National Press Day Celebration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with almost all media houses deciding to boycott the official function.

The decision came from the Daily Newspaper Association (DNA) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which was seconded by some other weeklies and fortnightlies of these far-flung islands.

Every year the Andaman and Nicobar Administration organizes a grand programme in Andaman to mark the National Press Day and this year the administration was planning to organise the same at picturesque Mayabunder Island, of North Andaman Region.

Daily newspapers of Port Blair, which have been suffering heavy financial loss due to alleged wrong advertisement policies of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, are presently protesting against the Administration by leaving their editorial column blank everyday.

''There is no point in going for the Administration's official function of National Press Day, when we are not able to pay even monthly salaries to our employees due to heavy financial losses, K Ganeshan the Convener of DNA told 'UNI' today.

The DNA has also threatened the Administration to continue with their protest even after the National Press Day and seek help from other Nationalist Press Organisations until and unless the issue is settled.

Meanwhile, to judge the gravity of the situation the Information and Publicity Division has sent a letter to all the media houses of Port Blair asking their consent for the said official function in writing latest by October 27, 2008.

UNI SKR KK LS AS1928