IPI condemns blockade of Manorama, Mathrubhumi
Story Dated: Friday, November 4, 2011 13:14 hrs IST
New Delhi: The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of publishers, editors and leading journalists, Friday condemned the blockade of two leading Malayalam daily newspapers in Kerala orchestrated by CPM affiliated CITU workers.
A statement issued by Scott Griffen of the Vienna-based IPI said for the past 14 days, the CITU has been physically obstructing the distribution of 'Malayala Manorama' and other publications of the Manorama Group in and around the city of Kozhikode. Distribution agents from the paper have been threatened with violence by CITU workers i9f they proceed with delivery.
The blockade has since grown to include another daily 'Mathrubhumi'. Additionally the disruption of the supply of both newspapers has spread to the neighbouring district of Kannur. "Any attempt to obstruct the distribution of newspapers is a direct attack on freedom of the press and on citizens' right to information. IPI calls on CPM to unconditionally halt its blockade of Mathrubhumi and Malayala Manorama, which are both members of IPI," the statement said.
It said CPM has long been at odds with Malayala Manorama in particular and the recent disruptions began as the paper published a feature series on organisation problems with the Kerala unit of CPM.
"IPI condemns what appears to be an attempt at censorship and joins the Indian Newspaper Society in demanding that the people of Kerala be allowed to receive the newspaper of their choice," the statement said. IPI Board Member and IPI National Committee Chairman N Ravi said, "These attacks by intolerant groups are becoming all too common in India. I would call upon state governments to protect freedom of speech and the media from such attacks."
IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie added, "All people have a fundamental right to knowledge about the world around them. Due to this blockade, thousands of newspaper traders in Kerala are currently being denied the right. We appeal to CITU and CPM to end their attack on press freedom in Kerala immediately."