IT News
Imphal, Dec 30:
Remembering the pioneer investigative journalist of Manipur, NK Sanajaoba, on his 85th birth anniversary, former chief of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) RK Meghen paid rich tributes at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.
“We fondly remembered him as a UNLF founding member and a pioneer in investigative journalism whose well-researched and investigated pieces on myriad social issues, including matters of Tipaimukh Dam and outsiders influx in Manipur, impacted society enormously then,” Meghen said.
“Not only in Manipur, but he was also deemed the first investigative journalist of Southeast Asia. Even in India, there was only a handful of investigative articles from a Mumbai-based fortnightly journal.”
Meghen voiced dismay observing the current state of journalism in the state. “Since Manipur got embroiled in conflicts situations then, the journalists are at the receiving ends of both government and insurgents’ pressures. We have witnessed many such circumstances,” Meghen expressed, adding, “Media during that time, defying all odds and adhering to media ethics, printed news and stories about the doings of militants.”
“In that sense, media, until then, stood powerful and courageous. But now, the media is not bold enough as the government has become more influential and powerful,” grumbles Meghen. “Media’s ethics, I think, is to give genuine news and not pass judgment about it. The media should empower the public to make sound judgments. And I expect our media to take those responsibilities fearlessly.”
Nk Sanajaoba popularly known as Lamyanba Sanajaoba was born on December 30, 1936 at Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai, Imphal. In 1969, he became the founding editor of the monthly journal – Lamyanba – and embarked on investigative journalism, exposing various misdeeds in society.
The 85th Birth Anniversary of Lamyanba NK Sanajaoba, who is also the pioneer of an investigative journalist in Manipur was attended by only few people this year due to restrictions by COVID-19 Pandemic.