State Journalists' Award, 2010 L Shamungou of TSE makes it two in a row
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2010: Senior staff reporter of The Sangai Express Laishram Shamungou was among seven journalists who were honoured with the State Journalist Award, 2010 by the Government of Manipur at the occasion of Information and Public Relations Day today.

This is the second time in a row that Shamungou has been honoured by the State Government, the first one coming last year.

Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur, the observance function held at its Yaiskul office complex was attended by Information Minister TN Haokip as chief guest and Commissioner of IPR L Lakher as functional president.

L Shamungou receiving the prize from TN Haokip

Retired journalists and officials of the Department were also present at the occasion.

The seven journalists who were honoured with the State Journalist Award for 2010 are senior staff reporter of The Sangai Express Laishram Shamungou for rural reporting, editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (English edition) Brozendro Ningombam for best editor, W Dhamen of Kangleipakki Meira and N Phillips of ISTV for women and child issue, Bully RK of Poknapham for health and hygiene, Inaomacha Salam of Hueiyen Lanpao for art and culture and RK Sanatomba of Hueiyen Lanpao for sports.

Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation and a certificate.

Speaking at the occasion, Haokip observed that increasing threats on mediapersons in Manipur is unfortunate and it should be stopped.

He said that threats on mediapersons who dedicate themselves to the service of disseminating information among the people should not be condoned.

Cry for democracy without any respect for media-persons and their role in the society is meaningless.

The Minister also announced that State Journalist Award for coverage on issues related to education would be introduced from next year.

In his presidential address, Commissioner Lakher appealed to the journalists not to compromise with their journalistic ethics in carrying out their duties but to exercise their power properly judiciously.

Observing that media has a great role to play in the development of a society, the Commissioner noted that a society can move ahead in the path of development only when the media and the Government understand each other's role and walk together hands in hands.