State joins National Press Day observance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2010: As in other part of the country, National Press Day was observed in Manipur today under the aegis of Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur along with a seminar on the theme of 'Media and present society' at Manipur Press Club here.

The observance function was attended by Minister of Information and Public Relations TN Haokip as chief guest, president of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union and editor of The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition) Khogendra Khomdram as functional president and Commissioner (IPR) L Lakher, IAS as guest of honour.

Delegates at the National Press Day observance held at Manipur Press Club on November 16

Speaking at the occasion, Minister TN Haokip observed that the problems being faced by media in Manipur has become manifold so much so today that journalists have not been able to perform their duties freely.

This is inspite of the fact that media is considered to be fourth estate of democracy and there can be no democracy if there is no free media, he added.

In his address, Khogendra Khomdram pointed out that mediapersons in Manipur have been subjected to threats from various quarters.

But such threats have not dampen their spirit and they continue to perform their duty of disseminating information to the people sincerely.

Stressing on the need for introducing a special scheme for providing financial assistance to journalists in connection with medical treatment, he further pointed out that visiting the Chief Minister to ask for such assistance has been norm so far.

The existing Pension scheme for the journalists in Manipur is also becoming not appropriate and there is the need for increasing the amount, he added.

Furthermore, he pointed out that though there is the instruction to follow the guidelines of Press Council of India, there is the difficulty in the Manipur situation.

Speaking as guest of honour, Lakher reiterated that the role of media in society is immense.

Apart from bridging the gap between the governed and the Government, media is a watchdog over every act of commission and omission of the Government, he added.

He also opined that there should be some censorship at the time of writing the news report instead of going overboard and sensationalising any issues.

As a part of the observance, a seminar on the theme of 'Media and present society' was also held with S Mangi Singh as moderator.

Veteran journalist S Bharatbhushan, Advocate Khaidem Mani and Associate Professor of Manipur University MC Arun were among the resource persons who presented papers.