Senior journalists from Manipur led by All Manipur Working Journalists Union President A. Mobi seen here with United Naga Council President L. Adani, Morung Express Editor Along Longkumer, Hornbill Express Editor Peter Adani, Naga Peoples Organization President ML Markson and other dignitaries during the Foundation Day of Hornbill Express at Senapati on November 7
Formation of Meitei-Naga forum suggested to address differences
Newmai News Network
Senapati | November 7
In the prevailing condition of animosity between the Nagas and Meiteis in Manipur, repeated allegations have been made against the press and civil organizations of each of the communities which have been unable to come together due to the current political climate. As a basis to resolve the tension, some discussions at the foundation day of the Senapati-based Hornbill Express proposed an amicable way forward.
Stating that people-to-people dialogue is important in a situation like in Manipur, Along Longkumer, Editor of Nagaland based daily newspaper The Morung Express has suggested for the formation of a forum between the Meiteis and the Nagas in order to address differences.
Speaking as a resource person during the first foundation of The Hornbill Express newspaper at Senapati headquarters today, Along Longkumer said a forum involving the Meiteis and the Nagas has become a matter of urgency.
Senior journalist from Manipur and Seven Sisters Post Correspondent Yumnam Rupachandra seconded the suggestion from The Morung Express Editor. While quoting Kaka D Iralu’s comment, Rupachandra said, “Why should others solve our problems. We can sort it out ourselves and yes, we need a common forum as suggested by Along Longkumer,” said Yumnam Rupachandra.
The Morung Express Editor went on to state that differences should be resolved through a people to people approach. “Nagas need to talk to our neighbors and not shout at them and vice-versa... A people to people contact between the Meiteis and Nagas can be a starting point. The results will not be immediate but this will be beneficial in the long term,” the Editor said while adding that the media can step in and play the role of mediator.
United Naga Council (UNC) President L Adani, while speaking on the occasion, lamented that media based in Imphal has been often one sided. “The launching of The Hornbill Express in Senapati has filled the vacuum,” claimed the UNC President.
He also requested the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) President, who was present during the programme, to do something that the Imphal based newspapers are balanced in their approached. “Editorials of the Imphal based newspapers often represent the views of only one party and ignore the other,” alleged the UNC president.
All Manipur Working Journalists Union president A Mobi harped on the purpose of the media and said they are representing the “voice of the voiceless”.
Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) President Markson lauded The Hornbill Express team and the man behind the paper Peter Adani for making the life of the district easier with the setting up of the newspaper. “Stealing cases have decreased. We don’t have to go now to Imphal for a small advertisement. Corruption cases too have been minimised after the launching of The Hornbill Express,” claimed Markson.
Witoubou of NNN while speaking as a resource person harped on the hardship faced by the journalists. He also lamented that tribal people do not have patience in staying long as media persons. Witoubou also rued that the tribal people are good in launching newspapers but are poor managers when it comes sustenance.
Editor of The Hornbill Express Peter Adani recalled what had prompted him to start the daily.
(with inputs from The Morung Express)
