As the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) celebrated its 49th foundation day in Imphal on Saturday, former AMWJU president Thounaujam Tarunkumar stressed upon the role of journalists on conflict reporting. Journalists in the state need to put their heads together to present a complete picture of what is happening in Manipur, he said.
Journalists working at the ground for collection of reports need to work together and with integrity, he said during the observation of the AMWJU foundation day 2023 at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Saturday.
"When we put our heads together we can give a complete and clearer picture of what is happening," he said.
Calling upon journalists to be aware of the multiple layers of identity he or she is working through, he said, "Besides being a Meitei or Kuki, one should not forget that he is also a human being, and there should be fair and objective reporting".
Talking about the present unrest in the state, Tarunkumar stressed the need to understand the rogue elements which are responsible for inciting and spreading hatred. "These elements need to be taught a lesson so that such a crisis is not repeated in the future."
He further said that journalists and the people should give full cooperation to the judicial commission to probe the cause of the ongoing crisis so that people know who are the people inciting communal tension in the state.
One also needs to delve further into whether there is a larger game-plan at work, he added.
AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam said, “In commemoration of the golden jubilee celebration of AMWJU, a committee has been formed. Besides this, a souvenir will be published to highlight what has been done in the last 49 years and things to be done in the coming years".
On the occasion, floral tributes were paid to the departed members of AMWJU. A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls. AMWJU founder members were also honored with a shawl and memento.
The 49th foundation day of the AMWJU was also attended by founder member of the journalists’ body, Keisam Shyamkishore, Editors Guild of Manipur president Khogendra Khondram and other senior editors and journalists.
It may be mentioned that AMWJU will celebrate a yearlong celebration to mark 50 years of the union.
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