Safeguarding the Sanctity of Journalism in Manipur

Exercising the right to freedom of speech and expression in a conflict-ridden state like Manipur is an increasingly complex affair. Although the Constitution of India guarantees this right under Article 19, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Talking about a free press in such an environment is even more challenging.
Journalists in Manipur often find themselves left to face risks and threats on their own, with little or no institutional protection. They are frequently targeted, and both law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations appear powerless to ensure their safety. In a land where guns and violence dominate the discourse, the pen of a journalist struggles to survive — a stark reminder that while guns command fear, the pen still dares to tell the truth.
Yet, amid this ongoing struggle, a disturbing new trend is emerging — one that threatens the very credibility and sanctity of journalism itself. Some self-proclaimed journalists have begun using social media platforms, particularly YouTube, to openly criticise mainstream journalists and editors, often in ways that infringe upon their professional dignity and fundamental rights. These individuals project themselves as fearless truth-tellers, claiming that only they have the courage to publish stories that mainstream media supposedly avoid. However, their content reveals a different motive altogether.
Instead of focusing on issues of public importance, these so-called “journalists” often broadcast personal and family disputes, private conflicts, and matters that are sub judice — issues still under judicial consideration. Their platforms rarely feature investigations into corruption, nepotism, or misuse of power — the very issues that define the watchdog role of the press. Instead, their sensationalism feeds on gossip, half-truths, and controversies that erode public trust in the media.
It is disheartening to see how these channels, dressed in bright colours and sensational titles, are turning journalism into a marketplace of voyeurism. Their yellow-tinted thumbnails and exaggerated headlines are not instruments of truth but tactics to attract views and revenue. Such practices not only tarnish the image of the journalistic profession but also endanger the integrity of information in a state already burdened by misinformation and conflict.
True journalism demands responsibility, verification, and ethical conduct. It is not merely about being first to publish or loudest in criticism; it is about being accurate, fair, and committed to the public good. The power of the press lies not in its ability to provoke but in its capacity to inform and enlighten. In a fragile state like Manipur, where every word can influence emotions and actions, journalists must act with greater restraint and discipline.
At Imphal Times, we view this challenge as a call to action. As followers of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot and Professor N. K. Sanajaoba — two towering figures who taught us that journalism must serve the people and uphold truth above all — we reaffirm our commitment to protect the sanctity of journalism in Manipur. The legacy they left behind is not one of fear or silence, but of courage rooted in ethics and justice.
We will continue to expose wrongdoing, question authority, and defend the rights of every journalist who strives to report with integrity. But we will also stand firm against those who misuse the name of journalism for personal gain or to malign the profession. Defamation of genuine journalists is not an act of free speech; it is an assault on the very foundation of democracy.
The media fraternity must come together to address this growing menace of unverified, sensational, and defamatory content. Regulatory mechanisms should be strengthened, and digital ethics must be taught and practiced. Freedom of speech is not a license to harm reputations or exploit private lives; it is a duty to serve truth and public interest.
The pen will always remain mightier than the sword — but only when it writes with honesty, accountability, and purpose. In these testing times, Manipur needs journalism that heals divisions, not one that deepens them. We, at Imphal Times, will do our part to ensure that journalism in Manipur remains a pillar of democracy, not a tool of chaos.