'Sense of patriotism, ethics must for every profession'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 31 2023: All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam said that sense of patriotism, duty and professional ethics are essential elements for every profession, be it journalists, doctors, engineers, teachers or any other profession.

He was speaking at the 'Meet the media fraternity' programme organised by Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) at DESAM head office, Kwakeithel Junior High School, Imphal on Sunday.

The programme was organised under the theme 'Let the true reporting by journalists determine the future'.

Addressing the gathering, Bijoy said that the present situation is in a delicate state and there is a big curtail on the freedom of expression.

Saying what is in one's mind could bring serious repercussion including arrest, threat or vandalism of properties if not cautious.

The present crisis since May 3, has torn apart the fabric of Manipuri society.

In order to repair the damage and forge strong and united Manipur, people of every community should put first the idea of Manipur and being a Manipuri above their community's or personal interest.

Narrow mindset always bring crisis and violence, which in turn will bring destruction in a society like Manipur, which draws its identity from diversity.

Keeping this in mind, media in the state should work to uphold the unity of the state as well as the professional ethics and duties, he said.

In this crucial period, media in the state are facing a tough situation.

Editors' Guild of India, in its so-called fact finding report, dubbed the media in state as Meetei Media.

Unfortunately, the EGI team was sponsored by Army and Assam Rifles with the sole intention of casting Manipur media as biased.

The EGI team had a detailed meeting of around 2 hours with AMWJU at Manipur Press Club during their visit and the AMWJU team presented a detailed report on the crisis in the state.

However, the EGI team kept aside the comments of the union and published a highly contrasting report.

Consequently, the report was challenged in the court and the case is pending.

At the same time, central agencies are harassing media persons by summoning in their office.

In this situation, student bodies in the state need to have better understanding of the layers of challenges the state is facing since students are the future pillars of the society, he said.

The state is also facing various challenges due to the changing geo-politics.

Manipur went into oblivion during the infamous Seven Years Devastation but the then royal brothers King Gambhir Singh, Nara Singh and Herachandra played key role in restoring the Manipuri nation.

Today, the state is on the brink of a somewhat similar fate.

In this situation, the youths need to think ahead and put their efforts in bringing unity among the people.

The state also needs a new wave of politics for a better future, he said while drawing attention of student bodies.

The idea of a strong and united Manipur while putting forth the sense of patriotism as a Manipuri should be the source of inspiration for such a stand and effort, he added.

Bijoy also said that the state is facing the impact of divide and rule policy.

Separate development policies for hills and valley is one of the key reasons for the sense of division among the different communities as it drives apart the hill and valley dweller.

There was a movement in the 80's with the slogan of 'Go Back Foreigners', but the society failed to look into the influx of illegal immigrants from the neighbouring countries.

Even though student bodies and CSOs raised the issue relentlessly, those in the politics and administration turned a blind eye to the issue, as is evident from the current situation, he said.

The present conflict between Kuki and.

Meetei will take years to resolve.

Student bodies, CSOs and those in the intellectual circles need to conduct an extensive study to retrace the paths and policies that led to the present day situation.

This is the time to make sacrifices for a better future and the people of the state need to decide what are their duties and responsibilities towards attaining the goal of a better and peaceful Manipur, the AMWJU president contended.

He also informed the gathering about the union's series of workshops and activities in relation with the Golden Jubilee celebration of the journalists' body.

He said that journalists always put efforts to uphold their professional duties and ethics but they are also human beings and they can also make mistakes.

It is very unfortunate that security agencies and the government take advantage of such mistakes and use force against the media persons.

As of now, former AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai is in police custody for publishing a report.

His arrest without giving an opportunity to clarify or correct his position hurts the sentiment of journalist fraternity, and the union condemns such acts, he added.

DESAM president Leishangthem Lamyanba also condemned the arrest of Kangleipakki Meira editor Wangkhemcha Shamjai.

This is one of the prime examples of the challenges faced by journalists in the state despite their service to the society and sacrifices, he said while demanding the government to release the veteran journalist.

He also extended greetings for the New Year and conveyed his wishes that the New Year may bring peace, normalcy, and unity in the state.

He also called for a concerted effort to increase the population of indigenous communities to protect Manipur and its identity.

Media persons from different print and electronic media houses were also felicitated on the occasion.

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