Problems of journalists to be taken up in State Cabinet: Chief Minister
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 17 2012: ON THE 39th foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) on Sunday, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has assured that the problems being faced by media persons in Manipur would be brought up in Cabinet meeting for discussion so that all possible help could be extended for the welfare and development of journalist in the state.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the foundation day function held at Manipur Press Club, the Chief Minister said that the government is ready to extend all possible help to protect the rights of journalists in the state.

Expressing his displeasure over frequent threats and harassment from certain armed groups to media persons in Manipur, the Chief Minister observed that threats on media persons are condemnable and only those parties which have no principle will do it.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh lighting the lamp

Regarding land dispute at the present premise of Manipur Press Club, the Chief Minister advised AMWJU to submit an application and follow the official process for resolving the matter.

Stating that media are the eyes and ears of the public, Works Minister Kh Ratankumar, who attended the function as Guest of Honour, noted that media plays a crucial role in a democratic country.

Society without media can be like a blind person, he said, adding that the constructive suggestions from people through media also help the legislatures in various aspects.

He also assured to provide all possible helps from his side for the welfare of journalists in Manipur.

In his Presidential address, President of AMWJU A Mobi highlighted the working condition of journalists in Manipur and said that journalists are working in a pathetic condition and there is always an imbalance between the protections provided by the government and the threats received by journalist from underground groups.

Among other speakers, Irengbam Arun, Editor of Imphal Free Press, urged the Chief Minister and the Works Minister to provide a lump-sum amount to the corpus fund for the journalists.

Taking advantage of the occasion, Vice President of AMWJU Witoubou Newmai submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister highlighting various demands.

The demands include to convert the Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR), government of Manipur into a major department; to avail medical facilities to the journalists and retired media persons and their families; to increase the pension amount of the journalists; to conduct an international media tour once in every year and to allot an enclave for the media persons with sufficient power supply, etc.

As part of the foundation day celebration of AMWJU, a number of senior journalists and retired media persons were presented gifts.