Imphal: Joint Secretary for Home, Dr. Mayengbam Veto, has clarified that recent government media advisories are designed to support responsible journalism rather than impose restrictions. Speaking at a seminar in Imphal focused on media and communal harmony, Dr. Veto explained that the guidelines encourage factual verification to prevent the spread of sensational or speculative reporting that could worsen local tensions.
Dr. Veto stated that the advisories neither seek to intimidate journalists nor impose new regulatory restrictions, but rather encourage adherence to the ethical norms prescribed by the Press Council of India and other relevant authorities. The seminar was jointly organized by the Editors Guild Manipur and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
During the event, Dr. S. Ibomcha, Commandant of the 6th India Reserve Battalion, addressed the challenge of digital misinformation. He reported that a dedicated social media monitoring cell has identified over 5,400 sensitive posts since June 2023, resulting in the removal of 3,245 items and the blocking of 187 accounts. Dr. Ibomcha emphasized the necessity of enforcing laws against those spreading inflammatory content while warning officers against the misuse of legal authority.
Participants, including members of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union and the Manipur Hill Journalists Union, discussed the media's role in maintaining social cohesion. The event concluded with calls for stronger professional ethics and improved cooperation between the government and media outlets to balance public safety with the freedom of the press.
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