Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Manipur government has defended its recent media advisories, asserting that the directives are designed to foster responsible journalism and preserve peace rather than infringe upon press freedom. Joint Secretary of the Home Department, Dr. Mayengbam Veto, addressed the issue during a seminar in Imphal titled Media for Communal Harmony and Responsible Journalism.
During the event, which was organized by the Editors Guild Manipur and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Veto explained that the advisories encourage fact checking to prevent the spread of speculative reports that could heighten local tensions. He noted that the government has no intention of intimidating journalists or imposing new regulatory burdens. Instead, the goal is to ensure media outlets align with established ethical standards.
Dr. Veto stated, "The advisories issued by the state government neither seek to intimidate journalists nor introduce additional regulatory restrictions." He added that the media remains a vital stakeholder in the state, and he expressed trust that professional organizations will continue to uphold journalistic integrity.
Chief Minister's Media Advisor Oinam Sunil Singh also spoke at the seminar, raising concerns about how national media outlets categorize local journalists. Singh argued that labeling media organizations based on ethnic or community affiliations, such as identifying Imphal-based outlets as Meitei media or the Ukhrul Times as Naga media, is counterproductive. He urged national outlets to focus on the professional merits and standards of media institutions rather than their community backgrounds.
The seminar, which was inaugurated by Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, brought together editors and reporters to discuss constructive ways to improve reporting during sensitive times. The event concluded with a call for stronger professional standards and improved communication between the state government and media organizations.
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