Imphal, June 8, 2026 (DIPR): 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 the
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri 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, Shri 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, Shri Oinam Sunil Singh, Media Advisor to the
Hon’ble 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.
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Highlighting the significance of local
narratives, Shri 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, Shri 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.
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Shri 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.
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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”. 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”.
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”.
Shri Ashem Bhakta, President,
All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU), and Shri Peter Adhani,
President, MHJU, attended the inaugural function as Guests of Honour, while
Shri Khogendra Khomdram, President, EGM, presided over the programme. Among
those present at the seminar were 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.
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#AMWJU
#MHJU
#Media
#Journalism
#Reporting
#Manipur
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