Keishamthong MLA Sapam Nishikant on Thursday said that hawkers and journalists are warriors of the media and any print media house would not be able to deliver its news to the public without support from hawkers.
He was speaking as a chief guest during the 41st Hawkers’ Day observation at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul in Imphal on Thursday.
With dedication and commitment of hawkers, many newspaper subscribers are able to read the news of what is happening in and around the state, he said. He also mentioned that it is reasonable to increase the newspaper subscription rates as the rate of printing materials have also been increased.
To promote the media, hawkers are also taking a vital role and cooperation is necessary between media firms and hawkers, he mentioned. He also assured that he will extend necessary assistance for the welfare of the hawkers.
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Floral tributes were paid to deceased hawkers as a part of the function. A book titled ‘Sinpham Duda’ written by Samom Raghumani, a member of Manipur Hawkers’ Association and CMHT cards were distributed to the beneficiaries of the association.
General secretary, Manipur Hawkers’ Association Laikhuram Surjit said the day is being observed in honour of the late members of the association.
The members of the association used to observe the day by donating blood at different places but it will be organised on a different day for the ‘41st Hawkers Day’, he said.
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He appreciated Chief Minister N Biren Singh for providing CMHT cards to the members of the association by considering the dedication and contribution of hawkers to society. Till date, around 20 CMHT cards have been benefited and the association is trying to provide more cards to the members, he added.
He said the chief minister had earlier assured to launch pension schemes and insurance police for the hawkers but the assurances have not been converted into action till date.
Surjit further appealed to the government to allocate a space to construct an office building for the association.
