CM urges media to exercise extreme caution
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 17 2024: All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) celebrated its golden jubilee (50th) at Manipur Press Club, here on Monday with chief minister N Biren and AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam as the chief guest and president respectively while IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan and Editors' Guild of Manipur (EGM) president Khogendra Khomdram were the guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Biren observed that the state is passing through a tough time and conceded that unwanted incidents are occurring from time to time.

Referring to a woman recuperating in hospital under critical condition, he said the government had talked and reached an understanding with the JAC formed against the death of the women's unborn child.

As the state is passing through a critical time, one should not be swayed away by emotions but share constructive suggestion to help the government resolve issues, he said.

Comparing the present situation in the state to a patient in the operation theatre, the CM said it is time to pray for the recovery of the patient in the operation theatre.

On the other hand, media is the fourth estate of democracy and TV discussions should also focus on exploring ways to resolve the crisis.

As it is a well-known fact that external forces and illegal immigrants are the root causes of the crisis time is ripe enough to join hands and explore ways to restore peace, Biren maintained while reminding that Manipur is a state under the Union of India and he, as a CM, cannot do anything he wants.

This is a sensitive time, he Said and urged the media to be cautious while publishing news.

Biren said that the current crisis is not a conflict with Kukis but a clash with illegal immigrants.

In the initial days, there were attempts to paint communal colour over the conflict but the truth is gradually coming out, he said.

Further stating that the government has no enmity with the recognised tribes of the state, he informed that the initiatives taken up by the government before the crisis was aimed at bringing a better future for the people of the state and there was nothing wrong in the steps taken up by the government.

Drugs worth around Rs 60 crore were seized in the last six years and poppy plants were destroyed in around 1800 hectares of land.

Steps were taken up to protect the state from drugs and illegal immigrants.

It is an obvious duty as a chief minister.

However, those measures were not targeted against any community but there are forces that have been trying to portray it in the bad light as a targeted attack against one community.

Media should also play a role in correcting the narrative with the truth.

Manipur is a state made up of 33 recognised tribes and there were some steps taken up for administrative convenience.

Those steps might have hurt the sentiment of some people.

Nevertheless, the government always welcome suggestions and grievances, he said.

The chief minister further appealed to the public to control their sentiment and called upon CSOs in the state to play crucial role in the society.

Regarding the Kakwa incident, which he termed as unfortunate, Biren disclosed that on closer scrutiny, it came out that most of the protestors in Kakwa were not from Imphal area while some were even live-streaming the agitation with ulterior motive.

Moreover, there are video footages of some of the protestors using live rounds and shelling tear gas against police, he said, adding that police personnel only survived those assault due to the bulletproof vehicles though several police personnel suffered injuries in the incident.

Praising Manipur police, Biren stated that it was Manipur police alone that tried to control the May 3 violence.

Regarding the ban on internet, the CM urged the public to refrain from taking steps that could blow the situation out of proportion.

In his presidential speech, Bijoy Kakchingtabam recounted a brief history of AMWJU as well as the challenges faced by media persons while covering important issues on the ground.

He also highlighted issues concerning some individuals covering major incidents wearing Press Vest, and said that police may check their identity if they are not sure.

The CM led in offering floral tributes to the deceased journalists at the Journalists' Memorial Pillar in Manipur Press Club campus.

A two-minute silence was also observed in honour of the deceased journalists.

A souvenir and a book titled 'Know Your Sanctuaries and Wetlands' were also released at the event.

Founding members of the union as well as former presidents, general secretaries and other past office bearers were honoured by presenting shawls and citation.

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