Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The 87th birth anniversary of NK Sanajaoba, the pioneer of investigative journalism in Manipur, was held at Lamyanba Shanglen today. The main event of the observance was offering floral tributes to the late journalist.
Former UNLF Chairman RK Sanayaima, also known as Meghen, attended the program and paid tribute to NK Sanajaoba. Many leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and well-wishers also attended the birth anniversary observance.
Speaking to media persons, RK Meghen said that NK Sanajaoba is the second revolutionary journalist after Lamyanba Irabot. He was the first editor of the Lamyanba journal, which was published in 1969 by the Pan Manipuri Youth League. He said that NK Sanajaoba is one of the pioneer investigative journalists in India as well. RK Meghen mentioned that NK Sanajaoba started investigating corruption by government officials and exposed it to the public after Manipur was merged with India and became a Part C state. NK Sanajaoba was arrested and imprisoned multiple times in the 1970s when he was the editor of Lamyanba, on different charges including sedition, for exposing corrupt practices by government officials. He was subjected to torture in the dark cells of prisons. However, his love for justice constantly encouraged him not to bow down to those who perpetuate injustice.
RK Meghen stated that NK Sanajaoba was also a founding member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), which was formed on November 24, 1964. He further expressed that NK Sanajaoba was also a founding member of the Boy Scouts.
Bijoy Kakchitabam, President of the All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU), and other editors and reporters also joined the 87th Birth Anniversary of NK Sanajaoba.
