Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Kozhikode: The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) commenced today at the Sea Queen Hotel, Beach Road, in Kozhikode, as part of MEDIA Conclave 2026 with strong assertions on press freedom, journalist safety, and institutional accountability.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri O. Sadasivan, Hon’ble Mayor of Kozhikode Corporation, and Shri M.K. Raghavan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, both of whom acknowledged the indispensable role of the press in sustaining democratic accountability.
Presiding over the session, IJU President Shri Geetartha Pathak made it clear that attacks on journalists, economic insecurity, and increasing constraints on media independence are not isolated concerns but systemic challenges requiring urgent intervention. He stressed that the IJU will intensify its efforts to ensure implementation of Wage Board recommendations, defend press freedom, and hold authorities accountable wherever journalists are threatened or obstructed.
Smt Sabina Inderjit, Secretary General, IJU, presented a detailed report on the Union’s activities, outlining key issues before the NEC and calling for coordinated national-level action on journalist protection, welfare, and rights.
AMWJU Raises Manipur Concerns,
Representing Manipur, the delegation of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) raised serious concerns over the prevailing situation in the state. AMWJU President Shri Asem Bhakta Singh pointed to the continuing unrest and highlighted troubling instances of security-related restrictions and conduct affecting media personnel. He urged the IJU to take up the matter forcefully with the concerned authorities to ensure that journalists are allowed to function freely and without intimidation in conflict zones.
AMWJU General Secretary Shri Khwirakpam Naoba presented the Union’s progress report for 2025–2026, detailing its welfare initiatives and the difficult conditions under which journalists in Manipur continue to operate. He emphasized that safeguarding journalists in such environments is not merely a professional issue but a democratic necessity. The AMWJU also acknowledged and appreciated the solidarity extended by journalist bodies across the country.
IJU Condemns Attack on Manipur Journalists.
The NEC strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists in Manipur by security forces, terming it a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values.
IJU President Geetartha Pathak expressed deep anguish over the incident and stated, “The attack on journalists in Manipur is not just an isolated act of violence but a dangerous attempt to silence the voice of the media. A free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate journalists will be firmly resisted.”
Secretary General Sabina Inderjit said, “Journalists working in conflict and sensitive regions are already operating under immense pressure. Such brutal actions by security forces are unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally. The government must ensure that media persons can carry out their duties without fear or obstruction.”
The IJU called upon the government to immediately identify and nab the culprits responsible for the attack and initiate strict legal action against them. The Union emphasized that impunity in such cases only emboldens further attacks on the press. It further urged authorities to put in place concrete measures to guarantee the safety and security of journalists in Manipur and across the country.
Speakers at the session underscored that the safety of journalists is intrinsically linked to the health of democracy, and any attempt to silence or intimidate the press must be firmly resisted.
The three-day MEDIA Conclave 2026, being held from April 24–26, has brought together journalists from across the country to deliberate on critical challenges confronting the media, including safety, labour rights, digital transitions, and policy frameworks.
The NEC is expected to adopt strong resolutions on journalist security, accreditation, insurance, digital media regulation, and state-specific concerns, with a clear emphasis on ensuring accountability and safeguarding the independence of the press.
