IFWJ urged to adopt strategy for journalists

Imphal, Sep 1: The Indian Federation of Working Journalists' (IFWJ) was urged to initiate and adopt a new strategy to address the working conditions and welfare of media persons working in conflict zones like Manipur in particular and North Eastern region in general.

The matter was raised by Bijoy Kakchingtabam, President of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) in the 108th Session of Working Committee of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists, which was held at Nainital from August 28 to 31 with a special theme, 'Application of the Rights to Information'.

In a statement issued after the meeting the Manipur Information Centre said 'with the increasing threat on the lives of media persons in the conflict zones apart from the professional hazards faced while performing their normal duty,' the Session noted to initiate a strategy after understanding the ground reality.

Citing the example of five journalists, who had been killed and the recent attempt on the life of Ratan Luwangcha, General Secretary of AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam asked how the Federation should address a common policy to protest it.

He also urged to formulate a strategy to make pressure on all the state governments to implement medical and other welfare schemes for working journalists, which are granted in some states. The existence of Working Journalists' Union and the Federation would be justified only when the welfare of working journalists is commonly addressed, he said.

On the initiation of Prayag Pandey of Uttaranchal Working Journalists' Union, the session unanimously condemned the attack on any media person in general and Ratan Luwang in particular.

The Session endorsed that an ex-gratia scheme and medical facility for the injured and deceased working journalists should be initiated by the respective states.

As a gesture of solidarity, the Uttaranchal and Rajasthan Working Journalists' Unions assured to extend some assistance to the family of Ratan Luwangcha, who is recuperating at his home after receiving bullet injuries.

President of AMWJU Bijoy Kakchingtabam, AMWJU Standing Committee members N Ibungochoubi and G A Naocha attended the three day IFWJ session.

UNI