The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep concern over a recent incident involving the Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, during a public programme at Tchuchanphen village in Wokha district on August 23, wherein he was reportedly observed publicly berating a member of the media fraternity while the latter was discharging his professional duties.
“While leaders and the media may have differences, such matters must always be addressed through dialogue grounded in mutual respect,” the NPCC stated in a press release on Monday.
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The state Congress pointed out that journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable, often under challenging circumstances, therefore it is imperative for both leaders and citizens to uphold an atmosphere of decorum and civility when dealing with differences or perceived shortcomings involving the media community.
The NPCC urged Dy. CM Patton to reflect on this incident and, in the spirit of democratic values, ensure that such situations do not recur in the future.
“Respect for the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democratic ethos, and we trust that all leaders will uphold this fundamental principle,” the NPCC maintained.
In a separate release, Hayithung Bill Lotha, a former MP candidate, expressed dismay over the same incident and called what Dy. CM Patton “orchestrated” while delivering a public speech is a distasteful and harmful public rebuke. He said the deputy CM not only criticised and put down a journalist executing his job, but pin-pointing the concerned journalist insisting not to give him press interview or to sit and be around wherever he is present and to chase him out from the venue, are hate speech, intimidation, threat, public shaming actions.
