Imphal, May 02 2010: On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, 2010, recognising and respecting the freedom of expression, the proscribed Revolutionary Peoples' Front (RPF) has extended its greetings and good wishes to the members of the media.

The Front also extends its due respect to the departed media persons who faced untimely death while rendering their duties, a message of greetings and good wishes issued today by Secretary, Publicity, RPF, T Leisemba said.

In a press release, Leisemba further said that the United Nations General Assembly has been observing May 3 of every year as "World Press Freedom Day" since 1993.As per the provisions enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights envisages the fundamental rights of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom "to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers" and keeping this objective in view the event is being observed throughout the world to make everyone aware of this inalienable right.

Leisemba said, "Since the media personnel particularly the reporters were facing many obstacles in news gathering, a meeting of the United Naions convened at Windhoek in Namibia, held on May 3, 1991 made a declaration for an 'independent and pluralistic media' to protect their rights known as Windhoek Declaration since then" .

"May 3, not only reminds of the violation of the right of freedom of expression but also tells us of the hardships faced by the journalists including incarceration and death in their endeavour to provide news and information to the people" .

The press release stated that media personnel in Manipur were also facing the same hardship and trouble.

Everybody knows how the institution of media is intimidated, their voices were gagged, reporters were beaten up and killed, media offices being ransacked, vandalised and shootouts taking place at the instance of the present regime and also from some quarters.

Maltreatment and intimidation including illegal detention and threat to life being meted out to the press reporters who are working 24 hours a day by unleashing a reign of terror are rampant.

Hawkers who distribute the newspapers were also experiencing such hardships.

A united fight is necessary to ward off such uncalled for acts, the press release stated.

"The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2010 is "Freedom of Information: the Right to Know".

The underlyng idea is to highlight the the importance of freedom of information as an integral part of freedom of expression and exchange of ideas on freedomof information to advance transparency, accountability and to fight against corruption.

Though rules for Freedom of Information (FOI) have been enacted by many governments in the world this law could not function properly as many top executives are excluded within the purview of this law" .

Leisemba said in his press release that the promotion of the spirit of Freedom of Information is for the meaningful engagement of the people in public debates and decision making processes that impact their lives.

Better information flows can strengthen peoples resolve to protect and fight against issues which might affect the interests.

It would also help the stakeholders in realising their duties and responsibilities.

Therefore, RPF firmly believes in the principle of the right to freedom of information of the public.

However, the media community has a greater role and responsibility to play in dissemination of information to the public.

The larger involvement of patriotic and courageous persons in the media will help a lot in realising this objective, Leisemba said.

India is one of the twelve countries identified by the Committee on Protection of Journalist (CPJ) for its notorious track records in intimidation and harassment of journalists.

In a state like Manipur, trampled and suppressed under military boots, the RPF feels the pangs and sufferings being encountered by the media community.

Lives of many journalists have been lost; and many more attempts on their lives have been made; and many have been imprisioned, underwent untold sufferings.

They suffered because they endeavoured to disseminate true information to the public, Leisemba pointed out.

He further said that on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, 2010, the RPF extends its greetings and good wishes to the brothers and sisters engaged in the media who are working day in and day out and calls upon them to endeavour and work with dedication.

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