‘Respect right to freedom of expression’

Editors across the print media have condemned the reported threat by the ULFA, attacking senior editors and journalists of the state and the North-east. ‘‘We express our strongest opposition to efforts to intimidate and muzzle the media in Assam, Manipur and other parts of the North-east by armed groups,’’ a written statement said.

The editors said there would be no compromise on ‘‘the freedom of expression, a universal right, and we call upon all groups, including ULFA, as well as Government and non-government organisations, to respect this basic right unconditionally’’. They added: ‘‘It is this right that gives ULFA and similar groups extensive space in the media and it is unacceptable that these organisations should abuse such rights.’’

They also pointed out that the People’s Consultative Group set up by the ULFA included two senior editors of the state.

The statement was signed, among others, by BG Verghese, former editor, Hindustan Times and The Indian Express; Kuldip Nayar, columnist; Mrinal Pande, editor, Hindustan; Shekhar Gupta, editor-in-chief, The Indian Express; HK Dua, editor-in-chief, The Tribune; Ravindra Kumar, editor, The Statesman; Harish Khare, resident editor, The Hindu; Om Thanvi, editor, Jansatta and secretary, Editors Guild of India; Bharat Bhushan, editor (New Delhi), The Telegraph; NK Singh, editor, Dainik Bhaskar and Sanjoy Hazarika, consulting editor, The Statesman.