News and Notes threatened

The News and Notes editors have been publishing reports from both the Foundation Office (FO) supported groups and those selected by the Residents Assembly. Recently, however, reports from the latter groups have not been appearing, and it was reported that a notice has been sent to the editors by FO groups threatening them with legal action if they publish anything from ‘irresponsible people’, i.e. groups selected by the Residents Assembly. In response, the Auroville Council wrote, “We wish to emphasize that the N&N is an independent service for and by the residents of Auroville. Thus no fraction of the community can claim to have control over it or pressurize the editors in favor or against groups.”

One of the editors subsequently explained that the Foundation Office would not allow any further communications from RA appointed groups until the Register of Residents has been completed.