Newspaper publishers stage a sit-protest by stopping publication in Imphal

Publication houses in Imphal, Manipur have stopped the publication of newspapers as they are facing acute shortage of currency following demonetisation.

Newspaper hawkers continue to give Rs. 500 currency notes, which have become a burden for media houses, both in terms of returning change as well as depositing it with banks. A sit in protest was being held at the Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall organized by the All Manipur Newspaper Publishers Association.

"Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the notes to be illegal, we are now compelled to accept illegal notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000, due to the scarcity of the new notes. So, since we are accepting this illegal tender of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes, we think that we are doing illegal activities. So, one day we may be asked by any concerned authority of the Government of India that why are you accepting these Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 illegal notes." Niladhaja Singh, the president of the All Manipur Newspaper Publishers Association told ANI.

The Prime Minister, in a televised address to the nation, had declared that high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 will no longer be legal tender from November 8-9 midnight.

He had said the government has declared a "decisive war" against black money and corruption.