Zakir Hussain
Dimapur | November 16
Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Alemtemshi Jamir, today appealed to media of Nagaland, particularly the print media, to focus more on economic and related fields rather than emphasising more on politics.
Maintaining that the State media should carry commentaries on economy in the local context and in regard to the present economic recession all over the world, he also advised the media persons to carry out ‘investigative journalism’ in the State, which according to him, was ‘lack in the State.’ He was speaking as the chief guest at the National Press Day, observed by the Dimapur Press Club (DPC) at the Tourist Lodge in Dimapur.
Stating that the media play a prominent role, Jamir said the media should be rational and professional since the printed word was very powerful for the common man, which could be a blessing or a curse. He continued that the impact of the fourth estate was very much of the Government since a single negative line against the department and the officer could raise many questions about their positive function. He also admitted that ‘press’ was instrumental in controlling violence in the State.
Talking about the presence of competition among the newspapers, Jamir said that unity among newspapers was very important for the growth and development of the Naga society. He suggested the media persons to change and mould the thinking of the people in the positive direction. “Change directed in the right and wrong direction depends on you, especially in Nagaland,” he added.
Sharing his personal view, Jamir said the media in the State should accept positive criticism and should display responsibility and maturity. He further called upon the press clubs to highlight their grievances and come forward with proposals to the government. Liremo Lotha, Superintendent of Police, Dimapur, said that the print media has occupied a very important position in Nagaland. He said that the media has been doing a commendable job as the fourth pillar of the State, with factual reports despite many hurdles.
V Abu Metha, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, while commenting that the media has been regarded as the fourth estate of the Constitution, said Democracy cannot move ahead without the fourth leg, so media has a great role and responsibility towards Democracy. Therefore, he said, “We must realise how we can contribute to the society.” Stating that the media had worked under difficult circumstances in the past in the State, he said the media, particularly the print media, has grown a lot and still have a lot of room for improvement. He called upon the media persons to be more professional.
Expressing his view, Metha said media persons with experience should be placed in decision making levels of the State Government. However, he said that this comes with performance and professionalism. He pointed out that despite the multiple tasking of media person, they are under paid. He also highlighted about the need of support from public and private sector in the growth of media. Abu pointed out that despite the difficult circumstances that the media works under, it has proved its capability and that it has come off age. He further appealed to the media persons to rededicate themselves to the cause of the society, people and democracy.
“The Naga Media is very small community so we need to work together with responsibility and in critical solidarity so that we can enable a vibrant and relevant media,” said Aküm Longchari, Managing Director of The Morung Express. He said that the media in Nagaland should be more than just a ‘watch dog’; it should contribute towards the making of the moral imagination. Stating that Nagas need to be able to dream dreams, Aküm pointed out that the media should think and act outside the box, and that it should creatively empower the public to make conscious and informed decisions.
The Managing Director of The Morung Express challenged the local media to be relevant, so that it could truly strengthen the values of democracy and peace. Unless the Naga media asserted and strived to be a relevant communicator, it would be reduced to a state of mere existence. It is time for the media community to reflect, he asserted.
DMC Chairperson, Khekaho Assumi and Temjen Jamir, Editor of Tir Yim Yim also spoke on the occasion. The programme was attended by VZ Angami, Additional SP, Dimapur, Nungsang, member of DMC. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dilip Sharma, president of DPC and the vote of thanks was proposed by Alem Jamir, treasurer of DPC. Lipok Temsu, Naga Idol finalist 2007 presented special song during the programme.
