9th July 2000

Once bitten, twice shy

I thought of writing to you because all of us are a little confused these days, dear Censor, over what you are doing. So, it would be a great help if you could tell us what all this fuss about the censorship is.

Now, what most of us know is this: the Lady imposed a censorship and appointed you as the Competent Authority to implement that censorship. This was under 'emergency' regulations, we were told.

From that day onwards, we saw little white patches in our newspapers with the words 'censored' marked across it. Then, whenever we switched on the television and there was a report referring to our little country, squares would come on the screen, letting our imagination wander as to what it was all about. Needless to say, all this gave rise to so many unnecessary rumours too- especially about what was happening up north and about the casualty figures there.

Then, one fine day you thought that one newspaper had gone beyond the limit. So, you went and sealed its offices and that newspaper went out of business for a while but went on to challenge your actions in court.

Then, what we heard next was that the courts had declared your appointment illegal and lifted the ban on the newspaper. We all felt sorry for you because you lost your job but also felt relieved that we will not see any more blank spaces either in newspapers or on television. And everyone was praising the judges for impartiality in their decision making.

Now, dear Censor, we understand what happened until then. It is after that, that things get confusing. For a few days, there was no censorship and everyone- except a few, of course- was happy.

Then comes the news that you have been re-appointed under a set of amended regulations or something like that! And, worse still, those blank spaces start re-appearing in our newspapers and on our television screens.

Tell me, Censor what this is all about, because most of us are confused. As far as we can see, they have changed the law to make your appointment legal. Now, dear Censor, isn't that a funny way of doing things? It's like convicting a murderer and then saying that murder is legal and then setting the convict free! If that is the way the law acts, then surely the law is an ass!

But of course, we do understand the problems of those who appointed you. There are elections near at hand, the war is still continuing in the north, bombs are exploding even in courthouses, and the cost of living is rising and rising.

So, how on earth can those in power allow all the people to know all what is happening in the country? It is therefore best that all the people know only some of the things that are happening in the country and that is what you are for.

Anyway, Censor, take care. The newspaper you sealed is suing you for millions, we hear. So, be careful because the first time, we can excuse you. So, that is probably why they have appointed you again but asked newspapers to practice what you call 'self censorship'?. After all, once bitten,you should be twice shy, shouldn't you?

Yours truly, Punchi Putha

PS- Can I ask you a self-censored question, dear Censor? It is true that (Censored) has no intention of losing the elections? So, are there elaborate plans to (Censored) the polls and that (Censored) has been asked to prepare for that and that his (Censored) will do the dirty work?

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents