Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 9: Konkani writers and artistes association (KWAA) held a press meet here at press club on Friday September 9 and warned about John Monis who allegedly faked the masthead of Konkani monthly magazine 'Dirvem'.

Addressing the media persons, William Pais, author of 'Land Called South Canara', informed that the sub-divisional magistrate of Mangaluru has recently passed an order cancelling the title declaration of Mangaluru based Konkani paper ‘Dirvem’ for violating PRE Act and journalistic ethics.

Briefing more on the issue, he said, “John A Monis hailing from Madyanthar had given false information to the authorities regarding the place of publication of his paper and also about his experience in journalism. He had also faked the masthead of the original ‘Dirvem’, the first Konkani newspaper published from Mangaluru. This original ‘Dirvem’ was in circulation for almost 40 years before Independence and Monis was projecting his paper as the original ‘Dirvem’ which enjoys lot of goodwill.”

Florine Roche, general secretary of KWAA said, “The title was obtained by unlawful means by John A Monis. He was misusing the paper for character assassination and slander of Konkani writers and artistes. He was also swindling money from innocent people and used to blackmail them saying he would write about them whenever they asked him to return their money.”

“In March 2015, a complaint was lodged with the District Commissioner of Mangaluru by 26 Konkani writers and artistes against John Monis. KWAA had complained to the Assistant Commissioner and also to the postal department following which the postal department had cancelled the special concession given to ‘Dirvem’.

“The Assistant Commissioner after conducting a thorough inquiry in this matter passed order cancelling the declaration submitted by John A Monis in June this year. The DC who dealt with the charges of character assassination and slander of Konkani writers and artistes made in the said complaint, in his recent order passed almost 15 months of the complaint, castigated 'Dirvem' for not following journalistic morals and has clearly said the paper was practicing 'yellow journalism'.”

“The DC in his order had directed John A Monis to publish the order issued by him in his paper in the same font size within a month of passing the order. Despite cancellation of title of his paper, John A Monis continues to publish the paper violating the sub divisional magistrate's order and has even failed to comply with DC's order which is a grave offence.”

“The main objective of this press conference is to inform that even now John A Monis is collecting subscription for his paper forcibly from innocent people by sending youth to their homes. He also pressurizes people to pay donations for his paper. We have registered a police complaint regarding his blackmailing tactics. We request the general public not to fall prey to this man's plotting,” added Florine Roche.

President of KWAA Ronald Sequeira and Wilson Kateel were present in the press meet.