IMPHAL, December 23: The 3rd death anniversary of journalist Thangjam Dwijamani was held today at the Cheiraoching, Thangmeiband.
The observation was attended by family members, local MLA Khumukcham Joykishan, friends, All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai and media persons who offered floral tribute at a portrait of the journalist who was killed in police firing near his own locality while covering a public rally against the alleged molestation of a Manipuri actress Momoko by a cadre of the NSCN (IM) Livingstone Anal.
Speaking on the occasion, Shyamjai said that a memorial site and a museum will be constructed in memory of the late journalist jointly by the AMWJU, Naharol Leisemba Club and the JAC at the Cheiraoching.
He said the Chief Minister has given assurance on the construction of the site.
A delegate will be meeting the Chief Minister on the construction of the site within two-three days, he said adding that local MLA Joykishan has also assured to help in the construction.
He said it is unfortunate that Dwijamani was killed when the police fired directly at him although knowing him to be a journalist performing his duty.
Dwijamani was a brave man who sacrificed his life while performing his duty, he said.
He further added that media persons should be sincere in their carrying out their duty.
Joykishan appealed to the media persons to work sincerely stating that the media plays a big role in bringing development to a society.
He said that Dwijamani died in an unfortunate incident, and added that he was a true journalist risking his own life to cover a rally while firing was going on from police personnel’s side to give a factual report to the people.
It may be mentioned that the Film Forum Manipur and other organisations of artistes had led a public agitation against the alleged molestation of the actress by Livingstone who also allegedly fired two rounds of shots at other artistes who tried to protect the actress during a musical concert at Chandel district on December 18, 2012. The two artistes however, escaped unhurt.
Late Dwijamani son of T Babu of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai was working with the Guwahati based Prime News Channel. He was born on November 6, 1974.