Media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh today boycotted the 30th Statehood Day celebration in protest against the state government's alleged failure to release huge outstanding advertisement bills of both print and electronic media for the last four years despite repeated pleas.
Media fraternity under the aegis of Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Electronic Media Association (AEMA), have unanimously decided to conduct the movement till full and final settlement of the entire outstanding bills is done.
"To begin with, the press bodies today boycotted the celebration of Statehood Day and events related to thereof," APC President Chopa Cheda said.
Referring to a meeting held on November 2 last year, when a delegate of media fraternity met the then Chief Minister Nabam Tuki who had assured clearance of about 15 per cent of the outstanding dues within a week, the fraternity expressed disappointment at not receiving the said amount till date.
Further, the former CM had directed officials to clear rest of the 85 per cent of pending bills within a month's period.
"Despite repeated follow-ups with the Chief Secretary, Secretary IPR and Director IPR and also despite repeated assurance and commitment to clear the file as directed by Tuki, the concerned authorities, especially the Finance Department (Principal Secretary and Secretary), are indulging in arm-twisting the media houses which can only be construed as an attempt to harass and exploit the entire value-chain," the APC chief added.
The press bodies also submitted memorandum to Governor J P Rajkhowa and Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi yesterday.
