Imphal, September 16: The 31st foundation day of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union was held today with a number of speakers suggesting that stress should be laid on the authenticity of the reports filed before going to press.

Held at the Manipur Press Club, the programme that began from around 10 am was graced by Works Minister Th Debendra and Information and Publicity Minister Gaikhangam as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively while AMWJU president W Shyamjai attended as the functional president.

Several prominent invitees including veteran journalists also spoke at the occasion that was also marked by presentation of special gifts to honour journalists of yesteryears.

Guest of honour, Gaikhangam acknowledging the constraint faced by media persons in their profession nevertheless advocated that close scrutiny/introspection be given utmost importance in view of the multi-ethnic nature of the Manipuri society.

Acknowledging the difficult circumstances under which the media persons have to execute their assignments, the Minister assured all possible measures from the Government side to ease the strain of the media fraternity.

It would be very productive if the State media professional pay more attention to facts and figures and cross check contents before going ahead and publishing any news report, said the IPR Minister further.

In his brief speech at chief guest, Works Minister Th Debendra advised the media persons to be more professional in their approach to any sensitive matter as present information age requires more stress on authenticity of reporting.

Also speaking on the occasion as special invitee, former News Editor of AIR, Imphal Seram Mangi called upon the media fraternity to accommodate versions of both sides regarding any news item.

Elaborating on the issue, he said responsibility of print should not only be limited to version of the news provider but equal opportunity be provided to involved party to react on the matter.

No matter the news item may be important to the concerned firm it is equally important that view points of the opposite party should be accommodated so as to preserve the sanctity of the press freedom, tie said referring to frequent instances of publication of news item followed by clarification the new day which he observed is not a positive sign of media maturity.

Former secretary of AMWJU Yambem Laba highlighting on role of media favoured adventurism to track point out to the general masses any significant development.

An emotional Yambem Laba, who was also former Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission, expressed happiness upon seeing the present building of AMWJU which he attributed to untiring endeavor of the journalists.

Earlier, former AMWJU president K Madhumangol Sharma, who is also the News Editor of ISTV deliberated at length of origin and prominence of media in the society that goes back to the time of the Roman Empire.

Since time immemorial conflict has been witnessed between the media the State authority, he said.

Similar instances continue till date with the Government intent on countering the news item publication of media establishment, he added.

DIPR Director Aleng Shimray speaking on the occasion mooted that print media accommodate contention of both parties as role of media need not necessary be confined to version of the accuser.

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