Imphal, September 16: Speakers applauding efforts, contributions and role of media as well as strong appeal to newspersons to uphold and preserve sanctity of journalistic ethics marked the 32nd foundation anniversary of All Manipur Working Journalists� union (AMWJU) celebrated at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul today.

The anniversary celebration was held with Information and Public Relation Minister Gaikhangam and AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

Public Development Authority Chairman K Ranjit Singh, Manipur Pollution Control Board Chairman N Biren Singh and Manitron Chairman Bijoy Koijam graced the occasion as guests of honour.

In his address, the chief guest stressed on State journalists strictly adhere to principle of maximum restraint and mature approach especially in the context of complex social structure and multi-ethnic society like Manipur.

Gaikhangam, who had recently been appointed president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, referring to critical phase the State is currently passing through nevertheless expressed confidence that resolve and hard work of the people would usher an era of peace and pride.

In response to earlier speakers, especially veteran scribes, who pressed for Government assistance regarding development of Manipur press Club building and welfare schemes for the journalist fraternity, the Minister pledged his personal contribution and assured to convey the matter to the Chief Minister.

The CM would be urged to earmark separate fund for completion of Manipur Press Club�s top floor, provide modern gadgets, regulate pension scheme and take appropriate measures to set up a press academy, asserted Gaikhangam.

He regretted that fund paucity severely gripping the State government had bound the State authorities from providing adequate assistance towards welfare programmes of the State journalists.

Earlier, former AMWJU president AK Sanaton speaking from among special invitees desiring Government assistance in building works, setting up of press academy to improve stand of journalism called upon the journalist community to contribute their mite in moulding the society.

Stating that journalists keep in mind their role as educator rather than misinterpret meaning of journalist as leader of the mass, Sanaton further suggested that news persons or media establishments should not cow down to any form of pressure.

Among other invitees, Leihaothabam Sharatchandra and Yambem Laba recalled their personal experiences and contributions along with colleagues in establishing AMWJU and setting up of Manipur Press Club.

In their brief addresses as guests of honour MLAs K Ranjit, N Biren and Bijoy Koijam expressed keen desire on journalist strictly conform to the principles of punctuality, transparency and unbiased reporting/publication.

They also appreciated State media exhibiting maturity and sense of responsibility when reporting or publishing news items particularly when was manipur through a critical phase during the ceasefire extension agitation where the slightest mistake could have caused tremendous upheaval.

Among them Bijoy Koijam made fervent appeal to the journalist not to get involved in politics even though political reporting is an essential part of the media.

The celebration began with AMWJU general secretary Ratan Luwangcha presenting the key note address wherein he conveyed of State journalists� aspiration to add recreational material to existing Manipur Press Club items, inclusion of non-journalists as its members, Government assistance in exposure programme and completion of the upper floor of the Club.

AMWJU president in his presidential address thanking the dignitaries reiterated the journalist body�s appeal to the State Government for all possible assistance.

Statesman correspondent, Y Rupachandra, who is also the Manipur Press Club secretary thanked all concerned for their invaluable presence on the occasion.

Two minutes silence was also observed in remembrance of departed AMWJU members.

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