IMPHAL, July 5 - A three-member delegation of Press Council of India (PCI) today met top Manipur Government officials including Chief Secretary to discuss the prevailing situation faced by the media fraternity in the State.
The PCI team also called on officials of National Investigation Agency (NIA), who said that two Imphal-based media houses were asked to disclose their sources about the May 22 militant ambush at Zoupi of Chandel district which killed six Assam Rifles personnel, sources said.
The delegation which is here on a two-day visit to the State called on Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu and DGP LM Khaute.
During the meeting the team is understood to have raised the current problems of the media persons in the State and highlighted the need for their safety and also the NIA notice seeking disclosure of sources of Zoupi ambush.
All Manipur Working Journalists� Union (AMWJU) had earlier lodged a complaint with PCI over the NIA move which the Union feels has caused serious apprehension that could interfere in the freedom of press.
Ravindra Kumar, CK Nayak and Kosuri Amarnath, members of a committee constituted by the Press Council of India arrived here yesterday.
The primary purpose of the PCI panel is to evolve guidelines for the media and armed forces on reporting in conflict situations in Manipur and other Northeastern States.
