The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is very concerned by the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Manipur, Assam where numerous human rights groups and non-governmental organizations are being forced to close their offices. We are forwarding information from the Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) about an independent media organization that has similarly been given orders prohibiting its broadcast. AHRC will issue updates regarding the situation in Manipur as information becomes available.
URGENT APPEAL
DENIAL TO BE FULLY AND RELIABLY INFORMED: IMPHAL, MANIPUR, INDIA
Originator of appeal: Dr. D. Roy Laifungbam, Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE)
Address: Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India
Telephone: +91 385 2444845
TeleFax: +91 361 2228730
Email: coremanipur@coremanipur.org
Date: 15 August 2004
The Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE), an indigenous peoples human rights organisation in Manipur, urgently requests appropriate intervention for the closure of the ISTV, an independent cable TV service by magistrates order denying the people of Manipur and others the right to free access to information.
On 14 August 2004, the Court of the District Magistrate, Imphal West District has issued an order prohibiting the transmission of Information Service Television Network (ISTV) News programme under section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 in the name of Public Interest, with immediate effect to Mr. Kh. Kuleshwor, president of the network.
The Information Service Television Networks is the local cable network widely accessed by the pubic in Imphal and adjoining areas. The network transmits local programmes in local language including news bulletins, news features, music video, entertainment and advertisements.
The Order was issued under the sub-section (g) of Section 2 under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act that states that Programme means any television broadcast and includes
I) exhibition of films, features, dramas, advertisements and serials through video cassette recorders or video cassettes players:
II) any audio or visual or audio-visual live programmes or presentation, and the expression programming service shall be construed accordingly.
The order was issued by Justice I.Y. Surchandra Singh, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, Manipur, in exercise of power under section 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The order was handed over to the President of ISTV, at 5.00 pm on 14 August effectively preventing them from any recourse or stay until Monday morning, 15 August 2004, at the earliest.
Section 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
19. Power to prohibit transmission of certain programmes in public interest.-
Where an officer, not below the rank of a Group `A’ officer of the Central Government authorised by the State Government in this behalf, thinks it necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest, he may, by order, prohibit any cable operator from transmitting or re-transmitting any particular programme if it is likely to promote, on grounds of religion, race, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, linguistic or regional groups or castes or communities or which is likely to disturb the public tranquility.
After issuing the order the police personnel returned to the premises of the ISTV ordering them verbally to also close down the message they were broadcasting in text that they had been ordered to close transmission.
At present, there are now curfew (shoot at sight) orders and section 144 CrPc, prevailing all over Imphal and Manipur which prevent free movement and communication. There are ongoing and massive violations of human rights due to the above orders and the mass protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The order restricting the operation of the Information Service Television Network (ISTV) therefore prevents citizens from receiving or disseminating information regarding the situation. The only news available is therefore through the two Government controlled channels, i.e. Akash Vani Imphal and Doordarshan Imphal Kendra.
The other independent networks are prevented from entry into these areas due to the restricted entry regulation by the Government of India. Newspapers are also closed due to the independent Holiday.
These orders are in direct violation of:
1. Indias commitments under ICCPR Articles 19, 26, 27,
2. Constitution of India Article 19
Please phone/ fax/ email to the authorities in Manipur urging them to revoke this order with immediate effect, thereby permitting the citizens of this state to freely access and disseminate information at this critical time.
Please write to:
Mr Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi,
India-110 011
Telephone: 91-11-3012312.
Fax: 91-11-3019545 / 91-11-3016857
Mr Okram Ibobi Singh
Chief Minister of Manipur
CMs Secretariat
Babupara, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India
Tel: +91 385 2221833, 2220137 (O); 2220136, 2222683 (R)
Justice A. S. Anand
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Sardar Patel Bhavan, Sansad Marg
New Delhi 100001, India
Tel: +91 11 2336 1671, 91 11 2334 0891 (O)
E-mail: chairnhrc@nic.in; covdnhrc@hub.nic.in
Fax: +91 11 2334 0016
Mr. Shivraj Patil
Union Minister of Home Affairs
Griha Mantralaya
Room No. 104, North Block, Central Secretariat
New Delhi 110001, India
Fax: +91 11 2301 5750, 2309 3750, 2309 2763
Mr. Jaipal Reddy
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Shatri Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001
Ph: +91 11 23384340 23384782
Fax: +91 11 23782118
I am writing in protest at the order prohibiting the transmission of the Information Service Television Network (ISTV) News programme under section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 in the name of Public Interest, on 14 August 2004 with immediate effect.
The Information Service Television Networks is the local cable network widely accessed by the pubic in Imphal and adjoining areas. After issuing the order the police personnel returned to the premises of the ISTV ordering them verbally to also close down the message they were broadcasting in text that they had been ordered to close transmission.
At present, there are now curfew (shoot at sight) orders and section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, prevailing all over Imphal and Manipur which prevent free movement and communication. There are ongoing and massive violations of human rights due to the above orders and the mass protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The order restricting the operation of the Information Service Television Network (ISTV) therefore prevents citizens from receiving or disseminating information regarding the situation. The only news available now is through the two Government controlled channels, Akash Vani Imphal and Doordarshan Imphal Kendra. I urge you to revoke this order with immediate effect, which violates articles 19, 26 and 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as article 19 of the Constitution of India.
I am also extremely concerned by the recent reports of the suppression of human rights defenders and journalists in Manipur. India has international obligations to which the state of Assam is no exception. Regardless of any security issues, there are fundamental human rights standards that must be adhered to. I therefore urge you to revoke all such orders and prevent any further acts that deny citizens their fundamental human rights.
Thank you.
