Local journalists, intellectuals and social activists gathered at the Ukhrul Press Club in Ukhrul town on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, engaging in a deliberation on the state of press freedom and the challenges facing the press in the local context.
The event, held under the global theme, “Shaping a future of peace: Promoting press freedom for human rights, development and security,” was jointly organized by the Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA) and the Society for Indigenous Culture and Environment (SICE).
Origins of Press Freedom
Delivering the event’s main highlights, SICE chairman Thanmi LM Shimray explained that World Press Freedom Day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following a proposal from UNESCO’s General Conference. “Since that time, 3 May has been observed globally as World Press Freedom Day. This occasion serves as a vital prompt for everyone to recognise the vital role of journalism and reaffirm our dedication to media liberty,” he stated.
He further noted that the day encourages introspection among journalists, and citizens alike on critical matters like press autonomy and ethical standards in reporting.
“It provides a chance to honour the core tenets of press independence, reassess the current status of media rights, and shield journalists from interference in their vital work,” Shimray added.
Western media landscape
The observance featured insights from former TTA director Dr YL Mingthing, who highlighted the importance of the press in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. He lauded the media landscape in Western countries like the US, stating that the role the press plays in such countries is magnificent.
Dr YL Mingthing also noted that in many developed nations, the media has functioned with significant independence since the 19th century, wielding enough influence to sway crucial government decisions.
Challenges to Press, Public
Human rights activist Hungyohung offered a dual challenge to both the press and the public. While he urged journalists to remain courageous and resolute in the pursuit of truth and justice, he also stressed the importance of fairness.
“Journalists must refrain from defamation and ensure the presentation of facts,” he said, adding that members of the press should maintain empathy toward all communities, particularly during times of conflict.
India’s terror hypocrisy
Hungyohung also took a sharp stance on the national political climate, criticizing the Indian government’s inconsistent stance on terrorism. He opined that the press needs to highlight the absurdity of India’s blaming Pakistan for fomenting terrorism on the global stage, while the Indian government allegedly harbours elements engaged in terror activities within its own borders.
Citing recent incidents—including the killing of innocent children at Tronglaobi and the ambush that claimed the lives of two innocent civilians at TM Kasom—he underscored the glaring hypocrisy. “It’s a shame that India is covertly supporting terrorists and their activities in Manipur on its own soil, while condemning terrorism openly on international platforms,” he rued, calling for greater scrutiny to expose such double standards.
Upholding Ethics
In his welcome address, UDWJA president R. Lester Makang emphasized that despite the limited number of journalists in the district, the local press fraternity remains committed to upholding journalistic ethics for the public good.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rapid, often unverified circulation of information on social media, noting that the rise of “citizen journalism” via smartphones has necessitated a more careful approach to truth-telling.
Vision for Local Media
The deliberation also turned toward the future of the local media landscape. During an interactive session held as part of the observance, participants expressed a strong collective desire for the launch of a dedicated local newspaper based in Ukhrul town, citing it as a necessary step for community development and the strengthening of local democracy.
The session left the participants with a renewed call for a safer, more transparent working environment for journalists to ensure that the voice of the public continues to be heard without fear or restriction.
The event, moderated by UDWJA secretary Mingyashin Shaiza, concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by senior journalist and UDWJA advisor Sothing Shimray.