IT News
Imphal, Oct 26:
Chairperson of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), Keisham Pradipkumar, revealed that children under 18 make up 40% of the 60,000 people displaced by the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day media workshop on child rights and legal reporting, held in commemoration of the 64th birth anniversary of the late senior journalist Khelen Thokchom, Pradipkumar expressed concern over the limited media coverage on issues affecting displaced children.
The Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT), with sponsorship from the MCPCR and Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), organized the workshop at the Manipur Press Club. The event was attended by notable figures, including AMWJU President Bijoy Kakchingtabam, EGM President Khogendra Khomdram, KTT Advisor Irengbam Arun, and KTT Founder Thokchom Memcha Devi.
During his address, Pradipkumar emphasized the importance of honoring child rights in reporting. He advocated for more respectful language, such as replacing terms like “orphan” and “orphanage” with “children’s homes.” He noted that while a policy for child rights has been submitted to the Manipur government, it has yet to be enacted, and he urged the government to prioritize this policy for the state’s displaced children.
The first session featured Advocate Thiyam Rajkishore, who detailed the Supreme Court’s strict guidelines on media reporting involving child victims. The court now prohibits revealing child victims’ identities, including the use of blurred photos across all media platforms. Journalist Leivon Jimmy Lamkang discussed the challenges reporters face in covering child abuse and crime stories, highlighting the absence of a dedicated state policy for child rights.
Moderated by senior journalist and Imphal Free Press editor Irengbam Arun, the session provided valuable insights for media professionals. The second session, scheduled for tomorrow, will feature Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) Secretary Yumnam Rupachandra and advocate Hijam Chandrakumar, with Arun as moderator.