The National Forum of Journalists is in turmoil with a section of its members launching a protest campaign against the Opposition prohibiting the State-run media from covering their political events.

Protesters yesterday called a press conference at the Hotel Nippon where they attacked the Opposition over the media ban. A spokesperson told The Island that rebels had no right to call a press conference on behalf of the National Forum of Journalists.

Well informed sources said that a simmering dispute over their propaganda strategy at the presidential election campaign had caused the split. Sources said that the rebel group had favoured UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe contesting the January 26 polls though the joint Opposition opted for former Army Chief General (retd) Sarath Fonseka.

The rebels told The Island that trouble erupted because a few members wanted to campaign for Fonseka at the coming election and also backed the controversial UNP-JVP decision to prohibit State-run media from covering their functions. Both allegations were denied by the opposing group which accused the rebels of covertly backing President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s re-election bid.

Sources said that the government had taken advantage of the split to cause further trouble in the Opposition. (SF)