Imphal, Sept 16: All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) today observed its 43rd foundation day at Manipur Press Club.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who attended the function as the Chief Guest lauded the role being played by the journalists to a complex society like Manipur.
“Manipur is a complex society, unlike other bigger states we have multiple number of ethnic community and it is natural that each community work for the interest of their community. In this complex society the role being played by the journalists is worth praising”, Okram Ibobi said.
He also stressed on the frequent obstacles being faced by the journalist due to interference from various quarters.
“Some day we will be getting the complete freedom of speech and experience where no persons interfere”, Ibobi added.
He was referring to the frequent dictate by armed militant group on what to publish and what not to publish. He said the role being played by the journalist is very complex and need to be appreciated as it was the journalists that make the success of democracy.
“Press is the fourth pillar of the Democracy, it is them who is sailing the boat”, Ibobi further added.
The Chief Minister also lauded the role of the DIPR on its effort to bridge the gap between various government department and the public by organising media interaction programme with heads of the government department. For that IPR Director Meghachandra Kongbam, who also attended as Guest of honour was credited.
The Chief Minister also suggested the AMWJU to maintain a corpus fund so that it can provide assistant to the journalist at any time when required without approaching to the government. For that he assured all possible help in conducting fund drive by the AMWJU.
President of the AMWJU, Wangkhemcha Shamjai while speaking on the occasion recalled the suffering of the journalist fraternity in the state.
“Over 9 journalist has been shot dead by underground element and none of the culprits has been arrested and punished so far”, Shamjai said. He further added that government has been extending lot of assistant to the journalist fraternity however urged the Chief Minister to take up some more welfare programme like opening of Press Academy and Press housing colony.
On the occasion veteran Journalists of the state who had now retired from the service honoured by presenting gifts. Family of those journalists who passed away were also honoured by presenting gifts.
Earlier, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and other dignitaries paid floral tribute to the portrait of the journalists who had left for heavenly abode.
The foundation day celebration was graced by Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh; AMWJU’s President Shri Wangkhemcha Shamjai; veteran journalist Shri A. Madhumangol and Director Information and Public Relations Shri Meghachandra Kongbam as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
