Newspapers fail to hit stands for third day in Itanagar

Publication of all newspapers remained suspended here for the third day today in protest against the authority's alleged anti-media ruling and over the fear of confrontation with the Students' Union Movement of Arunachal (SUMA).
The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), which has decided to close all media houses indefinitely, have demanded removal of Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mige Kamki who allegedly permitted SUMA to stage a dharna against English daily Arunachal Times.
"We will continue our agitation till the government fulfils our genuine demand and no newspaper will hit the stands unless the DC is removed for his act," APC President Chopa Cheda said.

On February 13, the APC and APUWJ in a joint representation to the chief minister's office sought immediate suspension of Kamki.
They also sought restraining SUMA president Biri Tabing and other members from intimidating media houses and press persons and banning entry of any person into media houses after 5:00 pm.
"SUMA is known throughout the state because of the wide publication given by the state media. Regrettably, of late this organisation has started dictating terms amounting to muzzling the freedom of press and media," he claimed.
The two bodies have also cautioned that if any untoward incident occur putting media houses and media persons in danger, the blame would be on the capital DC, SP and the state government.