Mangaluru, Sep 11, 2016: Addressing media, Konkani Writers and Artistes’ Association Secretary Florine Roche said the Dirvem Editor John A Monis was engaged in publishing articles with an intention to defame people. The logo and name of the newspaper by the same name and which held sway and was popular decades ago, was illegally copied by John Monis. He had provided fake details of address and false information on his experience to obtain the newspaper licence, she charged.
A complaint was lodged with the DK DC and the assistant commissioner by the association in 2015 against the editor. After conducting an inquiry, the assistant commissioner has passed an order cancelling the declaration submitted by John A Monis in June 2016.
Some writers have privately expressed that the ’Association’ was ignoring writers and journalists who were for long projecting and promoting Konkani language and culture in the media, particularly those writing in other languages who are doing yeomen service to spread the good word on the Konkani ethos. The ’Association’ has been siding and encouraging only those they favour and ignoring good work.
The DC has castigated Dirvem for not following journalistic ethics. The deputy commissioner’s order has directed the editor to publish the order in the monthly. However, the publishing of the monthly is continued in violation to the assistant commissioner’s order, she said. Writer William Pais, Kishoo Barkur, and Association President Ronald Sequeira were present.