PRESS RELEASE

We, 12 staff of The Shillong Times, stand in solidarity with the

three senior journalists—EM Jose (News Editor), Nabamita
Mitra (Features Editor) and Dipankar Roy (Executive Editor)—
whose services were terminated for `Covid-19 generated
reasons’ with effect from September 1, when they were in
quarantine, although they were served the letters only on
September 7; no prior intimation was given to them.
We condemn the management’s decision, which we feel is
unethical and unjust, and as colleagues, we strongly object to
such unwarranted ill-treatment meted out to the three
senior members of the staff who have all along put in their
best efforts in the interest of the newspaper.
Following the termination of their services, we started a
protest from September 9, 2020 and on the same day a letter
was sent to the management demanding their
reinstatement. (Letter enclosed).
On our part, we have resolved not to work until the matter is
settled.
We would also like to clarify that none of the agitating staff,
who are protesting against the illegal termination of services
of the three senior journalists, have RESIGNED as is being
spread in some quarters with seemingly malicious motive. In
fact, we have sent letters to the management but till now
there is no response from their side.
On the other hand, though, we have reasons to believe that
the management is trying to hire staff at a time when the
company is said to be in dire financial state because of Covid-
19 related reasons which have forced it to resort to hefty pay
cuts for the past four months.
We want to make it very clear that the protest is against the
termination of services of our three extremely dedicated and
sincere colleagues and we have no intention to harm the
reputation of the organisation which is in its 75th year.
Our demand is to reinstate our colleagues at the earliest.
We are compelled to release this statement since we haven't
heard from the management even after three days of
submitting the letter.
We will continue with our protest till our demand is met but
resignation is not on our mind and it will never be.
We categorically reiterate that dialogue and not resignation
is the agenda. We want our voices to be heard. The injustice
meted out to our colleagues needs to be rectified and
undone.
Kynsai Sangriang (Mawkyrwat)

Ronald Syiem (Nongstoin)

Pynshngain Syiem (Nongpoh)

Monojit Mandal

Daiaphira Kharsati

Cosmas Sangma (Tura)

Sannio Siangshai (Jowai)

Chean Marak (Tura)