The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has demanded public apology from the former sordar of Sohiong for alleged assault on a camera person of a local news channel.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Len Mawtap village under Sohiong constituency in which a camera person with T7 news Meban Kharmalki was intimidated, abused and assaulted by one Komel Nongbri a former Sordar of Sohiong.
Taking strong exception to the incident, SPC president David O Laitphlang said, “We demand an unconditional public apology from Komel Nongbri with immediate effect upon publication/broadcast of this statement failing which the Shillong Press Club will proceed with the matter as per the law of the land even as it would expect a positive response from the guilty.”
SPC also reiterated its commitment to serve the people despite various constraints from time to time by faithfully disseminating factual information which sometimes may not be palatable to all but is important information for public discourse and response.
The camera person was discharging his professional duty in covering a public meeting by the residents of Len Mawtap who opposed the construction of a public ground under the PMKKY scheme amounting to Rs 22.50 lakh. The residents opposed the construction as there was no explanation or clarity about the scheme from the office of the BDO.
The cameraman attempted to speak to Nongbri to gather some light. “Instead of abiding with the law as a former functionary of the traditional institution well versed with it and cooperate, he chose to be violent and displayed the most uncouth and uncivilized behaviour unbecoming of any sane and decent person,” the press club said.
