Imphal (Manipur), 16 September 2020: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) celebrated its 47th foundation day at Manipur Press Club. Remembering all the journalists who have lost their life, the union offered prayers as per the traditions of the State. The union has also led the ‘Journalist Memorial Pillar' (JMP) which was inaugurated by Manipur Legislative Assembly’s Speaker, Y Khemchand and Education Minister, Th Radheshyam.
After offering prayers to the JMP, Speaker, Y Khemchand expressed that media play an important role in making a better society and that it should also share only genuine news, as by doing so we can use it as a weapon for betterment of the society.
Noting that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy, the Guest of Honour, Education Minister Th Radheshyam said the beauty of being in the media is its independence and being neutral while sharing the news with the general public. The Press should never compromise its independence and appealed to journalists that they should continue their good work. Further he said that the youth, who were keen on developing the state like us face difficulties in choosing the right path, hence media while reporting should also guide and pave the way to the millennial youth with related articles on different fields. Th Radheshyam said that an independent press plays a key role in developing a society and that in these competitive and challenging times the press should focus on facts and further verify the genuineness before it goes public and ensure not destroy life of others with fake news.
AMWJU President, Bijoy Kakchingtabam informed that when the union was formed there were only 14/15 members but due to sheer hard work and dedication, the union now worked on many activities and reached great heights. This, he said was possible only due to the founder members, who had shown their beliefs in their vision and the credit goes to them. With the inauguration of the JMP, the families of the deceased can now offer their prayers every year. The pillar is in remembrance of the all the journalists who lost their lives while performing their duties, and hence the union will feel obliged if family members come forward every year to offer prayers, as this would serve its purpose.
The AMWJU also announced that at a recent Cabinet meeting the government decided to double the pension under the journalist pension scheme from Rs 4000 to Rs 8000. Besides, winners of the Save Nambul Media Campaign were awarded prizes. Campaign best reporting (print) category went to Sangai Express’s A Jiten, with Imphal Times Sh Ajit winning second prize and Poknapham Oinam Mission securing 3rd position. The Best TV report and short film category was awarded to ISTV’s Y Michalejit and Ch Aboi, TOM TV’s Sh Onel and Naresh were awarded second and Impact TV’s Ksh Premchand and Ch Subhash secured 3rd position. In Photography category Sanaleibak W Robinson won the first prize, Imphal Free Press Ki Lelen was awarded second and Poknapham RK Bullu secured the 3rd position.
