AMWJU celebrates 40th birthday
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 16 2013: The 40th foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) was celebrated at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul here today with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as Chief Guest.

The function was marked by presentation of gifts to veteran journalists of the State and observance of two minutes silence as a mark of respect to those journalists who have laid down their lives in line of duty.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the portfolio of Home, stated that though Manipur is a small State, yet the issues and problems engulfing it are so huge that media persons have been playing a very effective role in mitigating these problems and leading the society to the right direction.

Dy CM Gaikhangam speaking during the foundation day celebration of AMWJU

In such a situation, the attitude of certain UG groups which intimidated not just media persons but also hawkers from distribution of the published newspapers to the public was very unfortunate, he added.

Gaikhangam went on to say that the UG groups should do away with the idea that their goals would be achieved by killing innocent construction workers and threatening media.

An issue may arise but it will go away eventually.

All differences can be sorted out through proper discussion.

Bandhs, blockades and violence can never bring any good to the society, he said.

Observing that media is the fourth pillar of a democratic society, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the pen used by the media persons is much sharper than the sword.

If the media persons use their pen for good, they can shape the society to its best.

However, if they are wrongly used, it can either hurt them or the society as a whole, he cautioned.

While appealing to all the media persons of the State to perform their duties sincerely, the Deputy Chief Minister also stressed on the need to establish a Press Academy in the State.

Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro, who was also present on the occasion as the Guest of Honour, stated that the situation in Manipur has improved a lot today and media has played a great role in bringing Manipur to this stage.

Maintaining that threat on media regarding publication or non-publication of news reports by certain UG groups should be stopped, the Minister encouraged the media should bring out the wrong deeds done by MLAs, Ministers and other government officials and give them the chance to correct their mistakes.

However, he cautioned that media persons should verify what is wrong and what is right before publishing any news which could create chaos in the society.

Presided over by Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, President of AMWJU, the function was also attended by MLA Kh Joykishan as one of the Guests of Honour.

Members of various CSOs including UCM, MEELAL, AMUCO, etc were also present on the occasion.