Imphal, November 11 2009: 'It will be more beneficial if the government doles out the proposed Rs 2.23 crore to orphan homes as charity instead of using the amount in bringing out newspapers and satellite news channel,' said veteran journalist and former president of AMWJU, AK Sanaton while referring to the recent cabinet decision of launching newspapers and satellite news channel.

He was speaking on the 5th Lamyanba Yaolloi NK Sanajaoba death anniversary today at the Manipur Press Club here today.

Speaking on the theme, 'Media-yesterday, today and tomorrow,' AK Sanaton observed that 'media of the state are weak and timid.

They are anxious of carrying photos which they themselves captured,' while referring to the photos on Khwairamband incident which were passed on to Tehelka by local photographers.

AK Sanaton observed that no journalist in the state has matched the contributions of NK Sanajaoba towards the welfare of the society which he made during his short stint of ten years as editor of 'Lamyanba.' He said it is more necessary to work dedicatedly though for a short time rather than trying to earn a name as long-serving journalist.

As a journalist, one must try to bring a change in the society by closely watching and observing the works and programmes of the government.

Noting that the potency of the editors to criticise the government depends on the freedom guaranteed by publishers concerned, AK Sanaton observed that there is apprehension among journalists that their writings may inconvenience them in future.

He said NK Sanajaoba had faced all the challenges and he even served a jail term during his journo-practicing days.

Observing that the journalists are now working in critical situation, Sanaton said they could do nothing when fired off anytime by the proprietors keeping aside their low, negligible salaries.

He noted that knowing the timidity of the journalists, the government has committed atrocities against them more often than not.

The 5th NK Sanajaoba death anniversary observance function was graced by veteran journalist, Naorem Birendrakumar and vice-chairman of NK Sanajaoba Memorial Observance Committee, Sh Shamu as the chief guest and president respectively.

Delivering his speech, N Birendrakumar said the late NK Sanajaoba was a leader who brought a change for the underprivileged.

He is an exemplary figure for all journalists of the state.

Sh Shamu said, NK Sanajaoba was noted for his practice of maintaining cordial relations with people below his status.

He also announced that the 2nd NK Sanajaoba Journalist Award would be awarded to journalist on the next anniversary observance based on reports which appeared between the period August 2008 to July 2010 .

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