Extend support to journalists: W Shamjai
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 31 2022:
Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) held its annual 'Meet the media fraternity' programme at its Kwakeithel head office, here, on Saturday.
Attending the programme as one of the presidium members, All Manipur Working Journalist' Union (AMWJU) president Wangkhemcha Shamjai laid emphasis on the important role played by media in a democracy.
Media is the bridge between the government and the public and as long as the media stands firm, the society will continue to develop steadily, he contended.
Shamjai continued that the media has been and will continue to serve the society as long as they are able.
However, when the journalists experience any unfortunate incident or are banned from publishing any news, no one even shows concern let along extend any form of help.
Many journalists of the state were shot dead while others are in difficult situations.
As such, the AMWJU president appealed to the people to extend support to the media fraternity in case of any threat.
Meanwhile, there are also instances of news being published on social media without verifying the authenticity, thereby leading to unwanted circumstances.
Thus, he urged the authority concerned to look into the matter to prevent such situations from occurring.
Shamjai then appreciated the efforts of DESAM for improvement in the education sector and the society as a whole.
He also wished the students' body more success in all its future endeavours.
In his speech, DESAM president Leishangthem Lamyanba Meitei said that the media plays a critical role in maintaining peace and harmony in the state.
A journalist's pen not only ensures strong bond between the communities but also gives spark to the patriotic spirit of the people.
The people owe an eternal debt to media persons, he remarked and conveyed that the programme has been organised with the aim of acknowledging this debt.
Observing that Manipur has completely become a dependent state, he said that around 88 per cent of the state's operations are wholly dependent upon the centre.
On top of this, the influx of outsiders into the state is increasing at an alarming rate, which is highly concerning.
In this regard, only the media has the power to save the people, he stated and urged the media fraternity to continue fulfilling its responsibility towards the society.
The DESAM president further said that it is not an easy to prevail upon the present generation to take part in a movement.
Any movement will come under the scrutiny of the law but one must overcome their fear and be confident of their beliefs, he asserted.
As part of the event, gifts were presented to reporters working in different media houses of the state.