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News agency's office shut down

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The office of Mizzima, a news agency reporting on Myanmar's internal situation from a democratic perspective, was raided and shut by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) with the help of Delhi Police on Monday.

The MCD action has brought into serious question the commitment of the authorities to press freedom, Sein Wein, Managing Editor of Mizzima, said in a press release on Tuesday.

"The MCD, in sealing off the office premises, claims that Mizzima is running a commercial business in a residentially zoned area. However, Mizzima is an independent, non-profit organisation that in no way engages in any kind of commercial enterprise," he said.

Soe Myint, chief editor of Mizzima, said all computers and files were in the rooms sealed.

Mizzima's editorial staff feel that the action could be linked to the ongoing trial of 34 Myanmar freedom fighters in a Kolkata court.

"Whatever the reason for the closing, the Indian authorities have deprived the refugee journalists of their right to freedom of press and speech — precisely the type of coercive environment that forced these brave journalists to flee their native country in the first place," the statement said.

"Mizzima's editorial operations have been severely hampered. It has appealed for international support, while seeking the understanding of its readers in anticipation of further interruptions in delivering its news products," the release said.

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