Imphal: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today appealed to all to understand the role of the media in a democratic country.
Mr Ibobi who was the Chief Guest of the observation of 39th foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) held here today at Press Club said if the media report something which is against the interest of the nation or press ethics the matter can be discussed and corrected.
But if people tries to force one’s opinion to be reported in the newspapers it is not acceptable.
He further said those who tried the media as their enemy are enemy of the people. People with principle will never do anything which will harm the media, he added.
He condemned the bomb attack on the residence of A Mobi, president AMWJU recently by militants.
Due to threats by militants some of the journalists are provided security and newspaper houses guarded. How long will this continue he asked. Everybody has to die but nobody wants to die for a wrong purpose, he added.
To strengthen the functioning of a free media he assured to consider making Directorate of Information and Public Relations a major department.
If there is land then the government may consider earmarking it as press enclave he assured.
He also assured to provide patta of the Press Club to AMWJU. He expressed displeasure over the ways files do not move up on its own to the decision makers.
If individuals do not pursue then the files do not move on its own, he said.
He assured that the files related to the demands of the press do not remain confine in rooms of some officials.
Kh Ratan, Minister Works who was the Guest of Honour of the function said media is people’s conscience.
A Mobi, president who presided over the function highlighted the problems faced by the media fraternity.
On the occasion former Presidents of the Union and retired journalists were honoured. (UNI)
