NSF rejects allegations of media exclusion

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 23

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has rejected what it termed as the allegations that it deliberately excluded or restricted media participation at a press conference on August 22, maintaining that the omission of several media houses from the invitation list was an “inadvertent administrative oversight” and not an act of intentional exclusion.

The clarification came after two digital news outlets reportedly raised concerns over not being invited to the press conference at Hotel Saramati, convened to announce the forthcoming two-day National Seminar on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873.

In a press statement issued on August 23, the NSF said the seminar, organised through its Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC), is scheduled for August 28 and 29 at Town Hall, Dimapur.

The Federation maintained that it had no intention to “exclude, restrict, discriminate against, or prevent” any print or digital media organisation from participating in the press conference or any NSF programme.

According to the NSF, its Media Cell, while coordinating invitations, “inadvertently left out several media houses in no particular order.” It maintained that the lapse should not be misconstrued as a deliberate act of exclusion, adding that no restriction was placed on any media house that attended the press conference.

The NSF also stated that an important meeting was underway at the venue before the press conference and continued for several hours afterwards, with its officials present throughout. It said media representatives requiring clarification or wishing to raise questions could have approached the concerned officials or members of the Media Cell.

The Federation further noted that the two digital news outlets had not approached its Media Cell before the press conference regarding their invitations at the venue even though their correspondents were reportedly present at the venue.

The NSF also categorically rejected the assumptions that it was restricting freedom of media participation, harboured any personal interest or grudge against any media organisation, or deliberately sought to avoid questions concerning the Inner Line Permit (ILP).

It maintained that it had nothing to hide and no reason to avoid legitimate questions concerning the ILP, BEFR or other issues concerning the Naga people.

The Federation further noted that one of the two digital news outlets had recently been exclusively invited to an NSF programme and said no concerns regarding selective media participation were raised on that occasion.

While reiterating its respect for the media, the NSF urged media outlets to uphold “verification, fairness, balance and the right of the concerned party to respond.” It maintained that a minor communication or coordination lapse should not be unnecessarily amplified into an allegation of intentional media exclusion without first seeking clarification from the organisation concerned.

The Federation also appealed to media houses to refrain from sensationalising minor misunderstandings that may divert public attention from substantive issues. It said the focus should remain on meaningful discourse around the forthcoming BEFR seminar rather than “avoidable negativity arising from an inadvertent lapse.”

The NSF further urged the concerned media platforms to clarify the basis for their assumptions and allegations against the Federation and to exercise greater responsibility before attributing motives to a public organisation. 

It maintained that differences or grievances, if any, could be addressed through dialogue and direct communication rather than through premature conclusions.

Reiterating that there was no restriction on the participation of any print or digital media in its programmes, press conferences or public engagements, the NSF said it would continue to work with the media and other stakeholders towards “an informed public, responsible discourse and a just society.”