The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) on Sunday asserted that the members of the press and media houses must be given immunity and protected from not only the prevailing conflict in the state but in the possible occurrence of severe crises in the future.
After Manipur merged into India in 1949, journalists have been selflessly serving the people of Manipur with courage and a sacrificing spirit regardless of rain or shine, stated a release.
There have been several instances when journalists have been jailed by the government while many have been shot or threatened by miscreants, it stated.
There are numerous cases of journalists being assaulted and their cameras destroyed by security forces who harassed them, it mentioned.
Instead of holding them in a lofty position, they are being looked down upon by our society and the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) is strongly against this, it stated.
It raised serious concerns against the ongoing conflict which was caused by the Kuki terrorists to fulfill their plan to create a Christian state called Zalengam by breaking Manipur apart, it stated. It stated that the conflict continues to claim numerous innocent lives.
Against the gruesome murder of six persons including an eight-month-old infant after their abduction, the people of the state have launched widespread agitations, it stated. The enraged agitators stormed the houses of MLAs and vandalized their properties, it mentioned.
The office of Sangai Express located at Sega Road Thouda Bhabok Leikai was also vandalised, it further stated, adding the Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) vehemently condemned such acts, it added.
The newspapers and news channels have been actively working towards enlightening the public by exposing the shortcomings and the dirt in the government, it mentioned.
It has been shaping opinions regarding the advancement of science and technology, medical science and analyzing the policies of the government administration etc. and actively helping the student community towards building a better future, it mentioned. Therefore, the print and electronic media ought to be given the highest respect they deserve, it added.
The journalists not only in the state but across the world have been fighting the violation of human rights by entering the most severe conflict zones and performing crucial responsibilities, it said. Being the fourth pillar of democracy, the media is voicing against the authoritarian regimes and fascist rules across the world, it added.
Every year, the media is being honoured for their work by various international organisations and governments across the world, it stated.
Stating that no society can progress without the media, it further urged to not obstruct those working for the media including the hawkers who are delivering newspapers at everyone’s doorsteps, it added.
