IMPHAL, Nov 23 - Issues related to the journalists of the North East, particularly those in Manipur, were discussed at the opening session of the two-day national executive council (NEC) meeting of the Indian Journalists� Union (IJU) here today.
Many senior journalists from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, besides key functionaries of the IJU, deliberated on issues such as low salaries and lack of facilities being faced by the journalist community in the country.
Sharing his views, Manipur-based senior journalist and author Pradip Phanjoubam highlighted the major challenges and vulnerable areas for journalists in this era of technology.
He, however, said that introduction of media fellowship programmes for local journalists by the State Environment Department and the newly-formed Khelen Thokchom Trust is a good sign as the journalists are being provided with some financial help for covering environmental issues.
B Lahkar, retired journalist from Assam, spoke on the issues faced by journalists in his State. A senior journalist from Mumbai highlighted the issue of intervention by the corporate world.
Earlier, Information and Public Relations Minister Th Biswajit Singh inaugurated the meeting at the conference hall of the MIMS, Manipur University.
In his speech, the minister highlighted the steps taken by the State government for the welfare of journalists. He also appealed to the journalists to give voice to the voiceless and make their reports clear and balanced.
