IMPHAL, November 13: The plight of the working journalist faced in the State will be highlighted at the North East Council meeting and National Press Day observation to be held at Assam.
The event is organized by the Journalist Union of Assam under the aegis of the Indian Journalist Union. The meet will commence for 3 days beginning November 15 onwards. Manipur will be represented by 5 journalist, namely All Manipur Working Journalists Union general secretary, G Naocha, members Ratan Luwangcha, Yaiphaba, Bhakta and Chaoba .
A photo exhibition titled “Unrest Manipur” and “AFSPA” will be highlighted during the meet. The photos are shot by Ratan Luwangcha and Bulluraj of Poknafam and portrays conflict scenes and Irom Sharmila’s struggle.
A souvenir of the meet will be released by parliamentary secretary, K Meghachandra Singh and senior journalists will be felicitated on the second day. Tribute to slain journalists will also be observed.
Detailing about the meet, AMWJU President, W Shyamjai told reporters at Manipur Press Club that since the affiliation of AMWJU to IJU, there has been significant co-operation from the side of the latter. “Various grievances faced by journalists of the State have been addressed from the IJU side, we also seek further co-operation in the larger interest of the scribe community,” Shyamjai said.
A draft note of the issues faced by state scribes inclusive of the meager wages paid by media houses, lack of medical benefits etc will also be highlighted at the meet, he added further.
Ratan Luwangcha, added that the IJU will also be invited at Imphal for a seminar which may be scheduled by December end. He was hopeful that the IJU will co-operate to make the seminar a successful endeavor.