SHILLONG, June 12 � Journalists from this region on Monday formed an umbrella body for their safety and security named Northeast India Federation of Journalists (NIFJ) and resolved to demand action against those involved in violence on working journalists.
�The objective of the newly formed Federation is to strengthen freedom of expression and access to information, healthy public dialogue, conflict resolution and democratic processes through promotion of quality and independent journalism underpinned by respect for the economic and professional rights of journalists and media workers,� the preamble of the NIFJ read.
The charter of the Federation asserted that all journalists and media staff have the right to work in conditions of safety and security, including the right to �collectively bargain for wages and appropriate (improved) working conditions�.
The decision to form the new federation was taken at the conclusion of the two-day �Regional Seminar-cum-Workshop� organised by the International Federation of Journalist (South Asia Media Solidarity Network) held here.
An ad-hoc body headed by Bedabrata Lahkar as President and David Laitphlang as Secretary General besides representatives from all the Northeastern States was constituted at the meeting.
