SPC & MEPA give VPP chief 5-day ultimatum for defaming news channels

Shillong, Feb 1: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) and the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) have demanded the Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit to tender his apology within five days for defaming two leading news channels – t7 and Batesi TV and endangering the safety and security of media persons associated with them.

In a joint statement, the SPC and MEPA said, “(We) strongly condemn the remarks you make during a public meeting held at Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District on January 15, 2025. In your speech, you publicly defamed two leading media houses in Meghalaya – t7 and Batesi TV – thereby endangering the safety and security of media persons associated with these organizations.”

“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.

“We demand an immediate clarification on your statement made during the public meeting as the reports published by these media houses were, to the best of our knowledge, factual and devoid of any intent to malign or defame any individual or political party,” the SPC and MEPA said while adding “Additionally, we call for a formal apology from you as the President of the VPP for your unfounded allegations against t7 and Batesi TV. This apology should be issued within five days of receiving this letter. Failing which, the SPC and MEPA will be compelled to take appropriate action against you and your party.”

“Lastly, 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,” they further stated.