IMPHAL, February 3: Paojel Chaoba’s reporting on a cop’s confession regarding the BT Road killing case was upheld during an appreciation programme organized by the AMWJU today at Manipur Press Club.
Speaking on the occasion Irengbam Arun, editor The Echel Express talked about the ultimate intent and dream of every reporter to write a remarkable story. ‘Sometimes the fear of the aftermath can consume our integrity and stopped us from writing such news. However such conscience of remorse will haunt us forever’ he said.
“Perhaps I am one of the most threatened journalists of the State. I also fear death but I cannot confront the remorse within if I succumbed to fear. Let us fear death and behave responsibly without compromising on our ethics and principles,” he implored.
He praised the courageous deed of Paojel Chaoba to tell a story that can benefit the citizens of the State.
He said journalism is a dangerous venture especially in a conflict situation like ours but we must confront this challenge collectively and he also stressed on the importance of follow up works.
President AMWJU, Wangkhemcha Samjai and N Tombiraj, advisor AMWJU, also expressed appreciation and solidarity to Paojel Chaoba and the unsung hero whose photographs published in Tehelka was able to strike at the pattern of fake encounters.
They acknowledged the risk involved in breaking such news which has rippled and shook the nation since 26 of January and revived the consciousness of the public in the matter.
Paojel Chaoba thanked the media fraternity supporting him especially the Imphal Free Press editor and said it calms his anxiety tremendously.
He said the real hero is the unnamed photographer who dared to reveal his images to the public.
“Threat remains but I hold on to the support extended to me by all of you. Let us collectively follow up on this grave issue to reveal the truth further”, he said.