Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, Aug 31:
The Indian Federation of Working Journalists' (IFWJ) has been urged to initiate and adopt a new strategy to address the working conditions and welfare of media persons working in conflict zones like Manipur in particular and North Eastern region in general.
The matter was raised by Bijoy Kakchingtabam, president of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) at the 108th Session of Working Committee of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists, which was held at Nainital.
The Session held from August 28 to 31 with a special theme, 'Application of the Rights to Information', session also discussed 'Media Ethics' to meet the emerging challenges.
With the increasing threat on the lives of media persons in the conflict zones apart from the professional hazards faced while performing their normal duty, the Session agreed to initiate a strategy after understanding the ground reality.
Citing the example of five journalists who had been killed and the recent attempt on the life of Ratan Luwangcha, general secretary of AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam asked how the Federation would address it as a common policy.
He also urged to formulate a strategy to pressure all the State Governments to implement medical and other welfare schemes for working journalists, which are granted in some States.
The existence of Working Journalists' Union and the Federation would be justified only when the welfare of working journalists is commonly addressed, he said.
On the initiation of Prayag Pandey of Uttaranchal Working Journalists' Union, the session unanimously condemned the attack on media persons in general and Ratan Luwang in particular.
The Session endorsed that an ex-gratia scheme and medical facility for the injured and deceased working journalists should be initiated by the respective States.
As a gesture of solidarity, the Uttaranchal and Rajasthan Working Journalists' Unions assured to extend some assistance to the family of Ratan Luwangcha who is recuperating at his home after receiving bullet injuries.
While addressing the Session, the AMWJU President drew the attention of the delegates on how the national media view smaller and remote States.
He said the attitude of the national media is not at all encouraging and positive.
The president of AMWJU Bijoy Kakchingtabam, AMWJU Standing Committee members N Ibungochoubi and GA Naocha attended in the 3-day IFWJ session.