Former MLA of Ukhrul assembly constituency Alfred Kanngam Arthur has called for a strong media that fearlessly reports the truth for the greater good of the country.
Alfred was speaking at the 1st anniversary of The Tangkhul Express (TTE) held at Zimik plaza, Viewland bazar in the heart of Ukhrul town on Wednesday.
Stressing on the importance of media, he said that in the context of India, the legislature, executive and judiciary alone is not enough. Therefore, the media has been accorded the status of fourth estate even though they may not be part of the institutionalised governance to ensure proper checks and balances in the governance of the country.
He reiterated that under the fundamental rights of the Indian Constitution, the media has been given enough power to exercise their rights through the freedom of expression.
“Fearlessly reporting based on the truth is the need of the hour,” he said and assured TTE that he will pay 10-month salary from his end.
“Truth never goes away. The strength of the media will never go away. Let not evil be a part of your team. Media is not for listening to soothing words. Media is solely for the truth and the true media is wedded with the cardinal principle of truth,” he emphasised.
Micheal Shaiza said that TTE is the most watched and listened news channel among the Tangkhul community. “As you are the sole media for the community, you have the bounden responsibility to stick to undisputed journalism ethical code of conduct which are Fairness, Impartiality, Honesty, Impartiality and Accountability.”
Shaiza urged the TTE to give more emphasis on improving and developing the Tangkhul dialect by consulting the Tangkhul literature society.
He also urged the TTE to publish special bulletins once in a week to advertise job vacancies on employment for the youths of the community.
He also stated that negative remarks, pressures and demands from the politicians are bound to happen every now and then. He further exhorted the TTE to ensure that journalism’s strict ethical code of ethics is maintained for the betterment of the society, while wishing the best in their endeavours.
The programme was attended by former MLA Ukhrul assembly constituency Alfred Kanngam Arthur; BJP Manipur state co-in charge Michael Shaiza, ecological rehabilitation association, district information officer, Ukhrul, Kaphaoleng Angkang; TNWL secretary, Thingreiphi, president TSL, Ramngachan, TKS vice president, and well wishers.
