ULFA issues threats to news channel

Guwahati, Mar 29 (ANI): Paresh Baruah led anti talk ULFA recently threatened a TV news channel, blaming it for projecting a wrong picture of the group.

"I don't think it is justified. We are in the middle of a crossfire going on between the government and the insurgent groups. We are in the middle and very vulnerable. At all times we must report freely and fearlessly of what's happening on the ground," said Raman Bora, content editor, news channel DY 365.

Media houses across the state have strongly condemned the threat. There are more than 30 newspapers, magazines, TV news channel s and other media houses in the region .

"We condemn threat from any insurgent groups because they are losing public support, so they are making nuisance from outside the country and they have nothing to do but just issuing threats and notices to make their presence felt. They have done nothing for the people living in this part of the country," said Nava Thakuria, President, Electronic Media Forum Assam.

Threats to media organizations have been issued in Assam and also in Manipur, where insurgents frequently threaten print organizations. There have been shutdowns, blank editorials, protests and other agitations in protest against these threats. For years the reporters and editors have been working under tremendous pressure in the region.

"Militants claim to be government themselves. They challenge the existing law and order authorities and we media persons are between them. It is like a clash between the two governments. We cannot violate our laws and also the laws of insurgents, because if we do we invite trouble for ourselves," said Pradip Phanjoubam, former editor, Imphal Free Press.

Insurgents have killed journalists and lobbed grenades outside their offices and houses. In spite of the threats, many journalists in the region have not bowed down to the insurgents. ( news.in" target="_blank">ANI)