Scribes back to work; AMWJU, EGM condemn
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06 2021:
Even as the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) have decided to resume work from today, the two bodies have condemned in the strongest term all forms of attacks and threats to media.
A public convention held under the aegis of AMWJU and EGM at Manipur Press Club here yesterday afternoon urged the Home Department to expedite closure of the case of hurling a bomb at the office of the Poknapham daily and the People's Chronicle by arresting the individual responsible for the bomb attack.
Acknowledging the sentiment shared by public leaders who spoke at the convention, AMWJU and EGM conveyed gratitude to all the public leaders for their support to the media fraternity when the media is facing existential crisis in the State.
As per a resolution adopted at the convention, media organisations have called on all stake holders including the State as well as non-State actors, civil organisations and general public not to pose any obstruction to the media.
Many who spoke at the convention recalled that media in Manipur were shut down on several occasions in the last few weeks following pressures from a few quarters.
AMWJU and EGM office bearers met several times during the crisis and took several resolutions to safeguard the 'freedom of speech' and the freedom to function unhampered, they noted.
AMWJU and EGM also resolved to condemn the State Government's action which tried to enforce the new online media regulation made by the Central Government in the State for the first time in the whole country.
While it appreciated the State Government for promptly withdrawing the notice served to an online portal, it warned that it would not remain mute spectator to any effort of the State Government aimed at muzzling the press illegally.
AMWJU and EGM however said that they are against fake news and hate propaganda being circulated using various social media platforms.
They also urged all parties to acknowledge and uphold the 'local code of conduct' drawn up by AMWJU so as to enable media in Manipur function freely and fearlessly.