Imphal | September 17 : All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), an association of journalists in the state, celebrated its 38th foundation day today at Manipur Press Club here. Works Minister K Ranjit, IFCD Minister N Biren Singh, Health Minister L Jayanta Kummar and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam were the presidium members at the event which was presided by AMWJU president A Mobi Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren highlighted the need for journalists to join hands with the government in finding solution to the exacting situation brought about by logjam caused by the ongoing agitation demanding a full fledged Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts. “To resolve the impasse over the demand for Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts, the agitating parties must be willing to come to the negotiation table…and the media must support the government to make that happen,” he appealed.
As the economic blockade clocked 45 days, people have started asking as to why the government has not cracked down on the agitators. Minister Biren offered to answer, saying “we need public support…the agitators are our people too. Therefore we are looking to settle the issue through negotiation rather than force.”
Minister K Ranjit and minister L Jayanta Kumar shared minster Biren’s view on media and society. Media is a watch dog of the society; Ranjit said and added that the media must relentlessly bring to focus any development deficit and underdevelopment in the state.
Jayanta Kumar said as much when he noted that media must correct the government on its failure. He also said that to be a constructive government, it must have a strong backing of media and journalists.
Bijoy Koijam warned the journalists of the regretful situation in which news of social workers are plastered on front pages of local newspapers with huge photos and captions as against more important news consigned to insignificance pages.
“Rather than putting premium on such insignificant news, important achievements of implementation of government programs and projects could very well be highlighted,” he said.
AMWJU president A Mobi spoke on the occasion on the issue of paid news and said “as a media we must be very cautious of paid news escaping the vetting process of editors.” The election commission is very clear about paid news. Especially during the forthcoming assemble election, if the election commission suspects the media of entertaining paid news, “we will be in trouble,” A Mobi said.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren highlighted the need for journalists to join hands with the government in finding solution to the exacting situation brought about by logjam caused by the ongoing agitation demanding a full fledged Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts. “To resolve the impasse over the demand for Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts, the agitating parties must be willing to come to the negotiation table…and the media must support the government to make that happen,” he appealed.
As the economic blockade clocked 45 days, people have started asking as to why the government has not cracked down on the agitators. Minister Biren offered to answer, saying “we need public support…the agitators are our people too. Therefore we are looking to settle the issue through negotiation rather than force.”
Minister K Ranjit and minister L Jayanta Kumar shared minster Biren’s view on media and society. Media is a watch dog of the society; Ranjit said and added that the media must relentlessly bring to focus any development deficit and underdevelopment in the state.
Jayanta Kumar said as much when he noted that media must correct the government on its failure. He also said that to be a constructive government, it must have a strong backing of media and journalists.
Bijoy Koijam warned the journalists of the regretful situation in which news of social workers are plastered on front pages of local newspapers with huge photos and captions as against more important news consigned to insignificance pages.
“Rather than putting premium on such insignificant news, important achievements of implementation of government programs and projects could very well be highlighted,” he said.
AMWJU president A Mobi spoke on the occasion on the issue of paid news and said “as a media we must be very cautious of paid news escaping the vetting process of editors.” The election commission is very clear about paid news. Especially during the forthcoming assemble election, if the election commission suspects the media of entertaining paid news, “we will be in trouble,” A Mobi said.
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