The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has slammed Nongkrem legislator and VPP president Ardent M. Basaiawmoit for “casting dark aspersions on the media fraternity of the State”.
Reacting to the comments made by Basaiawmoit against a section of media persons during his recent election campaign, the SPC said, “Basaiawmoit’s rant and bluster without basis, foundation, and adequate proof reflects poorly on the sincere efforts of all working journalists who diligently, despite challenges, constraints, and trials have been sincerely trying to pursue their journalistic journey to espouse freedom of speech and expression as mandated by the Constitution within legal parameters.”
“This is not the first time that he has cried hoarse for reasons best known to him just to take on anybody who does not toe his line of thought, attitude, bravado and speech. The Shillong Press Club condemns this unjustified and uncivilised behaviour of a person who is believed to have some stature in society. Hence, it would be prudent for him to simply boycott the press so as to avoid any uncomfortable situation for him and his political party,” the SPC said in a statement issued by its president David Laitphlang and joint secretary Martin Nongkhlaw.
