The Sangai Express Completes 13 Years; Governor shares thoughts, greets
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 10 2012:
I convey my best wishes to The Sangai Express on its 13th Foundation Day and I hope it will continue to serve the State for years to come.
The media in Manipur is vibrant and covers the local news quite well.
Most of the reports are impartial and well balanced.
However, there is a tendency to sensationalise reports where Manipuris are victims without fully investigating the facts.
Similarly, there are a few instances of detailed reports on the diktats of fringe elements who attempt to force their will on others.
Reports need to be based on facts and it should be for the reader to make his own inference.
With the introduction of new technology in Manipur, we can now read international and national headlines in the local newspapers in the early morning, though the coverage is still meager.
Many of the feature articles are thought provoking, though there are a few which may be seen as vitriolic.
The media in Manipur has been functioning under tremendous pressure and there is a need for it to function independently.
They have to walk a thin red line so that on one hand they do not violate the laws of the land and on the other satisfy the demands and pressure.of various groups.
One may or may not agree with the views expressed in the press; but this is a free country where everyone has his right of expression and one can rebut through the media, However, media should not be used for conveying threats to others and the editors have to be extra cautious on this issue, I generally do not interact with the media because I feel that my role is limited and there is an elected Government.
Even though, l, from time to time advise the State Government for necessary measures to make the media function independently when it is under threat.
Gurbachan Jagat .