The Indigenous People’s Organisation Manipur (IPOM) has stressed the crucial role of the media in conflict resolution, while cautioning journalists against publishing unverified information that could aggravate tensions in a conflict-affected society.
IPOM President Y. Devadatta made the remarks during the organisation’s third Foundation Day programme held at Bright Dine and Retreat, Toubungkhok Makha Leikai. The programme was organised on the theme “The Role of Media in Conflict Resolution.”
President Y. Devadatta, Editors Guild Manipur president Khongendra Khomdram and All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) general secretary Khwairakpam Naoba participated as speakers at the programme. Working journalists from various media houses were also honoured on the occasion.
Speaking at the programme, Devadatta said the initiative was organised to facilitate collective understanding among media organisations and journalists about the prevailing situation and the role of the media in addressing conflict.
He said the media should function as a platform through which people can understand different perspectives and issues affecting society. He noted that the media has an important responsibility in conflict situations, where journalists often work under difficult circumstances and take considerable personal risks to bring information to the public.
Devadatta said journalists should not merely report what is claimed to be the truth but should also examine the information carefully before publishing it. He cautioned that unverified reports, particularly during periods of conflict, could cause further harm to individuals and communities.
Devadatta further said civil society organisations generally operate within particular areas or communities, whereas the media has a much wider reach and influence. In a state divided by conflict, he said, the media has a greater responsibility to contribute towards rebuilding trust and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Speaking in relation to the Foundation Day programme, the AMWJU General Secretary Khwairakpam Naoba pointed out the distinctions between social media and mainstream media.
Social media has created a scenario where journalists, who call themselves journalists, are able to give out the news without necessarily adhering to journalistic ethics. The quick spread of unconfirmed news may cause a lot of confusion, bring about reactions, and at times may exacerbate the already existing tension.
According to Naoba, the mainstream media functions within certain journalistic ethics and is very careful before giving out information. Journalists are expected to know what should be put out and what should not, in addition to looking at the environment around the news before releasing the news. Journalists are also supposed to look at the context of the news and check whether the information is true before reporting.
It should be understood that the main duty of the mainstream media is to prevent the news from misleading people and creating unnecessary confusion.