The Meghalaya Editors and Publishers Association (MEPA) and the Shillong Press Club (SPC) have sought a formal apology from Voice of the People Party (VPP) President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit within the next five days for his “defamatory” remarks on two local news channels in the State.
Basaiawmoit in a public meeting held at Nongstoiñ, West Khasi Hills District on January 15, 2025 had cast aspersions on the manner in which t7 and Batesi TV news channels were reporting stating these new platforms are misleading the public.
Condemning the remarks, the two bodies said, “In your speech, you publicly defamed two leading media houses in Meghalaya—t7 and Batesi TV—thereby endangering the safety and security of the media personnel associated with these organizations.”
Demanding an immediate clarification on the statement, MEPA and SPC said the two news channels have reported facts with no intention to malign or defame any individual or political party.
“As journalists, we are duty-bound to report on matters concerning the state and its people, and baseless allegations such as yours pose a serious threat to the security, credibility, and mobility of media professionals,” they said.
The two bodies said the apology should be issued within five days before they take appropriate action against Basaiawmoit and the VPP. “No political parties, social organisations, banned outfits or leaders of any group can question our journalistic ethics while we perform our duty as journalists and reporters,” the letter added.
