Amid ongoing debates over media advisories issued by the Manipur Government, Joint Secretary (Home) Dr. Mayengbam Veto on Monday clarified that the advisories are intended to promote responsible journalism and preserve peace during sensitive situations rather than impose restrictions on the press.
Dr. Veto made the remarks during a one-day seminar on “Media for Communal Harmony and Responsible Journalism”, jointly organized by the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal.
Chief Minister Yumkham Khemchand Singh formally inaugurated the seminar before leaving for prior official engagements. The remaining proceedings were attended by O. Sunil Singh, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Media Affairs.
The inaugural session was attended by Asem Bhakta, President of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), and Peter Adani, President of the Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union (MHJU), as Guests of Honour. The function was presided over by Khogendra Khomdram, while Director of Information and Public Relations Th. Charanjeet Singh delivered the welcome address.
The keynote address was presented by Rinku Khumukcham, Editor of Imphal Times, who spoke on the critical role of the media in fostering communal harmony, strengthening democratic discourse, promoting peace and upholding ethical journalism in a diverse and conflict-sensitive society.
Moderated by Dr. R.K. Nimai, the pre-lunch technical session featured presentations on responsible reporting and the role of the media during periods of conflict. During his presentation, Dr. Veto stated that the Home Department’s advisories were issued to encourage verification of facts, discourage sensationalism and prevent speculative reporting that could aggravate tensions.
He observed that unverified reports can have far-reaching consequences in conflict situations and stressed that stories carrying communal overtones must be handled with utmost caution. According to him, content that could undermine social harmony or national integrity should be avoided in the larger public interest.
Dr. Veto described the media as a key stakeholder in the welfare and development of the state and expressed confidence that organisations such as the Editors’ Guild Manipur and AMWJU would play an important role in promoting professional standards and responsible journalism. He maintained that the advisories neither seek to intimidate journalists nor impose new regulatory restrictions, but rather encourage adherence to the ethical norms prescribed by the Press Council of India and other relevant authorities.
In another significant presentation, Dr. S. Ibomcha, Commandant of 6th India Reserve Battalion and SP (Special Commando), highlighted the growing threat posed by misinformation, rumours and hate speech in the digital age.
He informed participants that the Manipur Police Social Media Monitoring Cell operates round-the-clock to monitor online content capable of disturbing public order. According to data presented during the seminar, authorities have identified 5,406 violent, communal and sensitive social media posts since June 1, 2023. Of these, 3,245 posts have been removed in coordination with the State IT Department and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), while 187 social media pages and accounts have been blocked.
Dr. Ibomcha stressed the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws against those who deliberately spread false and inflammatory content. Referring to media advisories issued by the Home Department on April 27, 2026, he said the guidelines were intended to encourage responsible dissemination of information during sensitive situations.
At the same time, he underscored the importance of ethical policing and warned against the misuse of legal powers. Comparing police authority to a sharp sword, he said it can protect society when used responsibly but can also cause injustice if misapplied. He urged law enforcement personnel to act with fairness, restraint and accountability and not to target individuals under external pressure or for extraneous considerations. Natasha Elangbam, from Mass communication department Manipur University spoke on lessons and best practices in peace journalism from conflict-affected regions.
The post-lunch session, moderated by A. Mobi, featured presentations Yumnam Ruapchandra, who discussed responsible reporting during communal tensions and conflict situations.
An interactive discussion followed, during which journalists, editors, academicians, government officials and media professionals exchanged views on strengthening professional ethics, combating misinformation and enhancing the media’s role in promoting communal harmony and social cohesion.
The seminar brought together media stakeholders from across the state and served as a platform for deliberations on balancing press freedom, public responsibility and peace-building in a society facing complex social and political challenges.
