I express an utter shock, dismay and distress over the matter vis-a-vis Shri. Y. Patton, Dy Chief Minister, Nagaland’s public abuse and belligerent attitude against a journalist in the course of a public meeting under Wokha district on August 23rd 2025. The resentment purportedly brewed by the actions of the said journalist having earlier interviewed Shri Mmhonlumo Kilon, Ex. MLA (Bhandari A/c) over the issue of eviction drive in Assam – Nagaland border areas.
I a two time consecutive Lok Sabha contestant with a deep concern to uphold public morality and sanctity of the fourth pillar in a democracy i. e. The Press. I enunciates that “whatever deputy CM Y. Patton orchestrated while delivering a public speech is a distasteful and harmful public rebuke, which is highly condemnable in a democratic polity. He not only criticise and put down a journalist executing his job, pin-pointing the concern journalist insisting not to give him press interview or to sit and be around wherever he is present and to chase him out from the venue; is a kind of hate speech, intimidation, threat, public shaming actions.
Shri. Y. Patton must remember that because of his action, the concern journalist Deep Saikia will be undergoing trauma and the emotional impact of the said incident, as such he may experience anxiety, insomnia, irritation and physical problems such as fatigue or headaches. It can also lead to post- traumatic stress disorder, which can cause incapacitating feelings of horror, fear and dispair.
Mmhonlumo Kikon giving interview to journalist on an urgent and grave public issue as a leader to voice out the sentiments and concern of the Nagaland border area people’s was in the right direction.
I expressly condemns such an anti-democratic public posturing and blatant disregard of decoram and dignity in public forums by the Dy. CM Y. Patton. The concern journalist was simply executing his professional assignment. Infact journalist are duty bound to seek and report the truth, providing the public with fair, accurate, and comprehensive accounts of events and issues to foster public enlightenment and support democracy. To uphold journalistic integrity, and maintaining ethical standards like fairness and accountability.
(HAYITHUNG BILL LOTHA)
Ex. MP (LoK Sabha )
