Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07 2009:
The visiting journalists who have come here to take part in the annual conference of Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) vowed to create a strong network with their colleagues of North East to highlight the plights of the region to the rest of the country.
A statement sent out by the Network said, "We aware that the people of the North East, specially the women, have laid in a conflict situation for more than six decades, but the reality of what they faced has not impinged on the consciousness of the rest of India".
The Network also expressed privilege to be present when Irom Chanu Sharmila was released from the security ward of JN Hospital today.
Appreciating the role of Meira Paibis, the Network said, "We were also inspired to meet the Meira Paibis, the women who have been on a relay hunger strike for 88th day in support of Sharmila".
The Network also expressed concern over the long standing recourse to AFSPA in a situation that requires serious and sustained political, economic and social initiatives in partnership with local communities.
Along with the media colleagues of the North East, the network would like to consider to bring about a quality and in-depth coverage on the issues of the region so that the rest of India understands the ground realities, the statement added.
The Network further said that at the same time when terror threats and conflicts are increasing in other parts of the country, the visiting journalists have much to learn from North East journalists.