Welcome criticism if Govt policy, approach wrong: Biren
Poknapham celebrates Golden Jubilee marking 50 years of publication as the leading newspaper of the state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 01 2025: Manipuri vernacular Poknapham celebrated the Golden Jubilee day marking 50 years of publication as one of the leading newspapers of the state, on Saturday.

The celebration function was held at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA), here.

Chief minister N Biren and Poknapham advisor Yumlembam Ibomcha attended the celebration as chief guest and president respectively while IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Poknapham editor Aribam Robindro Sharma and Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha were the guests of honour.

Welcome criticism if Govt policy, approach wrong: Biren

The CM led in paying floral tributes to the photo of (late) Shamurailatpam Gopal Sharma, the founder editor and publisher of Poknapham, followed by presentation of citations and shawls to Poknapham staffers, who have worked in the firm for 25 years and more, as well as award winning journalists of the daily.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren highlighted the current crisis and the existential threat the state is facing, and stressed the need for enduring the hardships for a better and more secure future.

The future of the indigenous people of Manipur seems dark in every sector, be it on land rights, bureaucracy, economy or power.

The government is taking up different initiatives to secure a better future while upholding the dignity and identity of the people.

If anybody feels that the objective of the government is wrong, feel free to share it instead of backbiting, he said adding that the government is always ready to withdraw if government objectives and policies are truly wrong.

He also urged the public to share suggestions if they feel that the objective is legitimate but the approach is wrong, Today, the state is passing through a struggle for a better future and the government will continue to push through.

There may be some setbacks and undesirable outcomes during the struggle but the objective is clear, he affirmed.

Biren also spoke on the resumption of border fencing construction and regulation of cross border movement, a departure from the previous Free Movement Regime (FMR) where entry from the other side of the border was not regulated.

He further mentioned concerning issues of rampant drug abuse in the state, which prompted him to launch the war against drugs campaign.

The CM recalled his experiences as a journalist before venturing into politics and how his works in journalism shaped his policy after becoming the chief minister of the state.

He hailed Poknapham daily as a beacon of journalism for its unbiased reporting with a humane touch.

He conveyed his wishes for Poknapham to continue to serve the mass for the years to come with the same vigour and strength.

Earlier, Poknapham advisor Yumlembam Ibomcha said that the daily is able to celebrate Golden Jubilee today due to contributions of readers and expressed hope that the daily will continue to serve people endlessly if readers continue their support.

He also said that a daily could not survive without the support and contributions of readers.

Accordingly, many prominent personalities of the state became columnists for Poknapham daily with many still contributing articles to the daily.

He also lauded endless contributions of Poknapham daily's news, printing and management staff.

Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict, Ibomcha said the common phrase 'truth always triumph' holds true in war while observing that the Meeteis feel that the community is right in the ongoing war.

It would not be wrong to resort to all possible means, including unconventional methods, to win war, he said adding that the present generation is suffering for future generation and everyone need to extend support towards achieving this goal.

Meanwhile, Poknapham editor Aribam Robindro Sharma recalled his long association and experience of serving the daily.

While recalling and lauding Poknapham founder editor and publisher late Gopal Sharma, Ibomcha said he (Gopal) always wanted to publish reports based on facts which do not hurt sentiment of any person and never sensationalised news reports to draw readers.

Gopal Sharma also gave more emphasis on reports which promote literature, art and culture and sports.