IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 17: Newspaper publishers and distributors in Manipur’s state capital on Thursday have decided not to bring out their publications from tomorrow.
The All Manipur Newspapers Publishers’ Association (AMNPA) and the All Manipur Newspapers Sale and Distributors Association (AMNSDA) took the decision during a joint meeting that was held in the office of the Hueiyen Lanpao, a vernacular, in Imphal.
“We’re compelled to take up the step in view of the non-acceptance of the Rs 500 and 1000 notes and also non-availability of currency notes of smaller denomination following the demonetization move of the government,” said the presidents of the AMNPA and the AMNSDA in a press release. “We also apologize for the public inconvenience in this regard.”
Seeking cooperation from the civil society, the groups also appealed to newspersons and distributors to join a sit-in demonstration that will be conducted from 10 am till 3pm tomorrow. They also appealed to the Editors’ Guild of Manipur, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and the Manipur Hill Journalists Union to support the movement.
On November 8, the central government banned Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in a surprise move against what it called corruption and tax evasion.
More than a dozen newspapers including English and local vernaculars are published from the capital city of Manipur. They have been facing acute shortage of essential commodities following the economic blockade on its supply lines since November 1 midnight by the United Naga Council. The blockade was in protest against the alleged plan (of the government) to declare Sadar Hills in Senapati district and Jiribam in Imphal East district into full-fledged districts.
JAC warns to launch blockade
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Sadar Hills has warned that it will be compelled to begin various forms of agitation including indefinite economic blockade along the national highways within Sadar Hills from November 20 if the Manipur government detracts from declaring Sadar Hills as full-fledged district.
The JAC Sadar Hills has taken a decision during a joint meeting with civil society organisations of Sadar Hills including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, SAHILCA and Thadou Inpi Sadar Hills on Wednesday,reports said.
