Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: A one-day seminar on “Media for Communal Harmony and Responsible Journalism”, organised jointly by the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was held today at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal.
The seminar was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, Director, DIPR, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for inaugurating the seminar. He stated that the deliberations, viewpoints of the resource persons and resolutions emerging from the seminar would provide a new direction for the media fraternity and contribute positively towards the development of the State.
Giving the keynote address, Rinku Khumukcham, Editor, Imphal Times, spoke on the relevance of the seminar and underscored the importance of organising such programmes regularly. He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in society and carries significant responsibilities in shaping public discourse. He noted that seminars of this nature serve as important platforms for journalists and media professionals to periodically reflect on their duties, ethical obligations and commitment to responsible journalism.
Stressing the need to strengthen the State’s media institutions, Oinam Sunil Singh, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, underscored the importance of reinforcing the role of media and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations in promoting balanced and responsible journalism.
Highlighting the significance of local narratives, Sunil Singh stated that national media should not be allowed to solely shape perceptions regarding Manipur. He urged journalists and media organisations to collectively deliberate on these issues and work towards strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of the State’s media.
Speaking at the seminar, Peter Adani, President, MHJU (Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union), highlighted the need for a comprehensive and stringent policy framework to address the issue of illegal immigration in Manipur. He observed that while various States such as West Bengal, Tripura and Assam have implemented measures under existing laws to address illegal immigration, Manipur requires stronger and more specific mechanisms considering its unique socio-political circumstances.
Peter Adani further expressed the view that effective and well-defined government policies could help address concerns relating to law and order, drug trafficking and other social challenges. He noted that neighbouring States have also voiced concerns regarding the impact of illegal immigration and called upon policymakers and government officials to deliberate on the issue and provide constructive suggestions for framing appropriate policies in the interest of the State.
The seminar also featured a series of technical sessions.
The pre-lunch session was moderated by Dr. R.K. Nimai, retired IAS Officer. During the session:
– Dr. Mayengbam Veto, Joint Secretary, Home Department, Government of Manipur, delivered a presentation on “Decoding Media Advisory by Manipur Government Home Department”.
– Dr. S. Ibomcha, Commanding Officer, 6th IRB and SP (Special Commando), spoke on “Combating Misinformation, Rumours and Hate Speech in the Digital Era”.
– Dr. Natasha Elangbam, Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University, delivered a lecture on “Journalism for Peace: Lessons, Challenges and Best Practices from Conflict Regions”.
She emphasized the following key points for peace-oriented reporting:
1. Go beyond “2 sides fighting” – Investigate underlying causes, history, and structural issues instead of framing conflict as only a battle between two opposing sides.
2. Ask “why” not just “what” – Move past the incident to explain roots, triggers, and relationships between facts.
3. Report peace processes and solutions– Give equal space to dialogue, nonviolent responses, and what’s working to reduce tension, not only violence and casualties.
The post-lunch session was moderated by A. Mobi, Senior Journalist. During the session, Shri Yumnam Rupachandra, Secretary General, Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and Editor-In-Chief, Impact TV, presented a paper on “Responsible Reporting During Communal Tension and Conflict Situations”.
Asem Bhakta, President, All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), and Peter Adani, President, MHJU, attended the inaugural function as Guests of Honour, while Khogendra Khomdram, President, EGM, presided over the programme. Among those present at the seminar were Hungyo Worshang, Secretary, IPR, Additional Directors (IPR) W. Phajatombi Devi and T. Ramesh Singh, senior editors and journalists, officials of DIPR, representatives of various media organisations and platforms, and students of Manipur University.
