Arunachal Media Bodies Condemn Restriction of SUMP News Reports, Seek Transparency

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Itanagar : The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) have strongly condemned the reported restriction of news reports and video content related to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) on social media platforms in India.

The two journalist bodies expressed concern that several journalists in Arunachal Pradesh have reported their SUMP-related videos and other journalistic content becoming inaccessible, while access to some accounts or content has reportedly been restricted. In certain cases, users were informed that the restrictions were imposed pursuant to legal requirements under India’s Information Technology rules.

Describing SUMP as an issue of immense public importance involving development, environment, displacement, indigenous rights, national interest and the future of communities along the Siang, APC and APUWJ said restrictions on legitimate journalistic reporting could deprive citizens of information necessary for informed public debate.

The journalist bodies demanded that if any government authority or agency has sought the blocking or restriction of SUMP-related news reports, the legal basis, authority and specific grounds for such action should be disclosed immediately. They also sought clarification on whether any directions have been issued to social media platforms to restrict SUMP-related reports, videos, accounts or other journalistic content.

APC and APUWJ said journalism should not be treated as an inconvenience merely because reports from the ground may be critical, uncomfortable or contrary to an official narrative. They maintained that blanket or opaque restrictions on bona fide journalism could have a chilling effect on press freedom and undermine the public’s right to know.

The two organisations also clarified that reporting opposition to a project does not amount to opposing the government, just as reporting a protest does not mean endorsing it. They said the responsibility of the press is to document all sides of an issue fairly and fearlessly.

APC and APUWJ called upon the competent authorities to immediately restore legitimate journalistic content restricted in connection with SUMP reporting and provide clear explanations for restrictions imposed on journalists or news organisations.

They also urged social media platforms to ensure that legitimate journalism is not indiscriminately affected by content-restriction mechanisms and called for meaningful review and appeal mechanisms for affected journalists.

Reaffirming their support for journalists covering SUMP and other matters of public interest, APC and APUWJ said any attempt to intimidate journalists or silence legitimate reporting through unexplained digital restrictions would be challenged through appropriate democratic and legal forums.

The organisations emphasised that democracy is strengthened through greater access to information, scrutiny and dialogue, rather than by making news disappear from the public domain.