Tag: IFP

IMPHAL | Sept 8

Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) organised a ‘One day consultation on the formulation of Manipur state policy for children 2017’ today at Sangai conference hall, Hotel Imphal, in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Child Rights and You (CRY).

While delivering a speech as chief guest, the acting chief justice, Manipur High Court, N. Kotiswar Singh stated that formulation of policy for children in the state is indeed a welcome step towards the welfare of the children and to mould them to the right path during this formative phase of one’s life.

Considering the alarming rate of crimes and abuse against children in the state, minister of Social Welfare and Cooperation Nemcha Kipgen, who attended the event as president stated that the formulation and development of Manipur State Policy for Children, 2017 is the need of the hour. She continued that the policy will provide a safe and positive environment for children in the state.

The minister also drawn attention of all the stakeholders to comply with all relevant local legislations, administrations and other measures on child rights and welfare to protect and ensure child rights and to provide what is in best interest of the child, since keeping children safe and secured is everyone’s responsibility.

“All of us have the responsibility to do all that we can to mould our children for their lives as productive citizens in the future,” she added.

She asserted that children, who occupy an essential part of every population, are the most vulnerable section of society. They suffer from abuse every day. As the future of a nation utterly depends on the level of care provided to its children, children’s rights should be made one of the main mandated priorities of everyone and be committed to their welfare and protection.

Commissioner of Social Welfare, H. Deleep Singh, chairperson of MCPCR, S. Saratkumar Sharma, director of Social Welfare, Jacintha Lazarus and general manager of Development Support, CRY Mahua Chatterjee were the guests of honour in the programme.

1. Saratkumar Sharma stated in his keynote address that the Manipur State Policy for Children has been developed after a series of consultation with the stakeholders and CRY, concerning the strong need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Manipur. The policy institutes the respective responsibilities of personnel or individuals in relation to the safeguarding, promotion and protection of children. The policy also aims to raise awareness on safeguarding children issues, he added.

He stated that the policy for children is guided by the existing legal frameworks of Child Protection Policy of India and the ratified International Convention. The Children Policy predominately draws its guiding principles from ICDS, National Charter for Children, NPA, ICPS, POCSO Act, National Policy for Children 2013 and Juvenile Justice Act 2015. He continued that the department of social welfare shall be the nodal department in context of the present state policy for children.

Villagers fearful of losing of livelihood

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 7 

Heavy rain along with mud, stones and woods decimated paddy fields in Sorbung and Ngatan villages which are under Tadubi block of Senapati district, under Karong Assembly constituency. 

Sorbung is 30 km away from the Senapati district headquarters. There are 194 households with the population of 967 as per the 2011 census.

Around 100 hectors of paddy field were damaged. Standing crops were submerged in mud and pebbles while tress were uprooted causing much hardship to the villagers.

The heavy torrent rains and flood that occurred during the past few days completely cut off the middle-east Senapati from the rest of the world. Furthermore the villagers who depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihood have been reeling under severe condition since their paddy field has been damaged by flood and landslide.

Maikho, village chairman Sorbung said that it is the first time and they have not come across such type of rainfall and flood since very long time.

The owners of the field were so worried that they neither want to see nor go to the paddy field to check the damages. Those affected by the deadly flash flood could lose their livelihood as they depend heavily on rice cultivation for sustenance. 

 Most of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood and also for their children’s education by selling rice. Further they said that no one is there to take care of the villagers and appealed to the state authorities to look into the matter urgently.

Ngatan village has 157 households with a population of 800 people as per 2011 census and 70 km away from Senapati district headquarter. Kaping, chairman of Ngatan village said that around 80 percent of the field and 70 hectors of paddy field of 50 families were damaged.

Here also standing crops were submerged in mud and pebbles while tress and posts were uprooted causing much hardship to the villagers.

It will take years to get the affected paddy fields back to where they were before the flood hit the village, said one local. The devastation has left many villagers heart-broken and some feared that poverty awaits them in the coming years, he added.

A team comprising of media-persons visited the affected sites. The destruction caused by the flash flood has been unprecedented.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

A division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising of chief justice N. Kotiswar Singh and justice Kh. Nobin Singh have awarded an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs each to petitioners against fake encounter.

A released of HRLN said the first incident of fake encounter occurred on January 19, 2009, in which some personnel of Manipur Police Commando arrested Khumukcham Thoiba alias Tomba Singh from his house located at Mahou Tera Wangoo Lamkhai, Chandel district.

Thoiba was killed on the same day in a fake encounter at Keirak Leirak Achouba, Thoubal district. In this regard, the wife of the deceased, Leivon Rosmi Kom filed a Writ Petition before the high court on May 30, 2009. Consequently, the district judge, Manipur West conducted an extensive enquiry and submitted his report by ascertaining that the petitioner’s husband was arrested from his house and thereafter he was killed in a fake encounter by a combined team of Manipur Police Commando and personnel of 21 Assam Rifles.

The matter was finally heard today and thereafter, the high court of Manipur has directed the State of Manipur and the Union of India to pay Rs. 5, 00, 000 as compensation to the petitioner within four months, said the release.

The second incident occurred in the intervening night of March 14 and March 15, 2004, in which some personnel of 19 Rajput Rifles (Bikaner) had apprehended Khumanthem Ajitkumar alias Naoba Singh from his house located at Karong Mamang Leikai, Imphal West district.

Subsequently, Ajitkumar was killed in a fake encounter along Khurkhul-Sekmai Road. The father of the deceased, Khumanthem Nagor Singh lodged a report to the Patsoi police station, however, could not bring justice.

Ultimately, he filed a Writ Petition before the high court on April 5, 2008, seeking appropriate remedy. Accordingly, the former district judge, Manipur East, M. Manojkumar Singh had submitted his inquiry report on June 28, 2012, ascertaining that Ajitkumar was picked up from his house by the personnel of 19 Rajput Rifles and killed. The high court of Manipur has finally heard the case today and directed the Union of India to pay Rs. 5,00,000 as compensation under public law domain within four months to the petitioner, said the release.

It said, advocate Meihoubam Rakesh appeared on behalf of the above mentioned two petitioners while senior advocate and assistant solicitor general, Salam Rupachandra Singh appeared on behalf of the Union of India and senior government advocate, R.S. Reisang appeared on behalf of the State of Manipur.

MOREH | Sept 7

One escort gypsy of Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand met an accident in which one escort was injured.

The accident happened while the Speaker was heading for Kwatha village today. Later, Y. Khemchand visited Kwatha village and interacted with the public. He distributed fermented bamboo shoots packaging machines and solar panels to the locals.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

District magistrate of Thoubal district, L. Nabakishwar Singh has imposed section 144 of CrPC in the whole of Thoubal district in connection with the upcoming 5th Panchayat election. A release said, the district magistrate has imposed the prohibition under the CrPC to avoid any breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity and danger to human lives and properties and to prevent riot and affray in connection with the ensuing panchayat election.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

Thounaojam Shyamkumar, forest and environment minister today ordered immediate transfer of beat officer and subordinate staffs of Kanglatongbi forest beat office for dereliction of duties. 

The minister today made a surprise visit to the Kanglatongbi forest beat office under Kangpokpi district and found forest officials letting off trucks carrying forest products without issuing the transit pass.

Speaking to media at the beat office, Th. Shyamkumar said he will conduct regular inspection to check whether the department officials in each and every district are properly collecting the forest royalty.

He assured punishment to officials found flouting department rules. 

Shyamkumar further said forest department plays a major role towards controlling global warming, which is one of the topmost issue faced throughout the world. He termed it unfortunate that some department officials were found flouting rules instead of performing their duties.

During his surprise inspection visit from Kangpokpi to Bishnupur districts, Th. Shyamkumar intercepted a truck, illegally carrying forest product without carrying the transit pass at Sekmai-Khurkhul Road.

The truck was seized and later handed over to the authorities concerned. At Kangchup Chingkong Bazar, a truck carrying soil from the forest area was intercepted. Shyamkumar directed the truck driver to seek permit from the environment department.

Heading towards K. Geljang village, Kangpokpi district, minister found few trucks which were being filled up with soils dug up from the forest area. The soil was to be used for building construction in the village.

He directed the villagers to seek permit from the environment department.

Th. Shyamkumar later inspected the trees at the Maibam Lotpa Ching in Bishnupur district. Speaking to the media at the location, Shyamkumar said starting from the month of September; he will check all the trees planted by the forest department, NGOs and other organisations during the Vanamohatsava this year in all the districts.

The minister expressed satisfaction over the proper maintenance of tree growth at the Maibam Lotpa Ching by the department’s officials.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 6

Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Association Manipur (AFESAM) felicitated Arjuna awardee Subedar Laishram Devendro Singh, Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) today at old airfield, Koirengei, Imphal.

Addressing the function, president of AFESAM, retired Colonel I. S. Chanam said Manipuri people are genetically modified as fighters. The state is popularly known to the world in culture, but now the state is also known for sports. Like Arjuna awardee, L. Devendro, many players have been contributing their talent for the country, he added.

Some of the players are namely Kunjarani, Dingko, Mary Kom, Sarita and now Devendro is also one among them. Due to this the state is known as powerhouse of sports.

He appreciated central and state governments for setting up of National Sports University in the state. The renowned players of the state should teach their skills to the youngsters in order to motivate and enhance their skills, Chanam added.

As a part of the programme general secretary of AFESAM, Lt. Col. L. Manongba highlighted achievements of Devendro and the struggle he faced during his career to Arjuna awardee.

Speaking to media persons, Manongba said the felicitation programme was held in order to motivate Devendro to achieve gold medal in the coming 2020 Olympic Games which would be held at Tokyo, Japan. He said Devendro is now a diamond of the state.

He appreciates the political agenda of the present government but it should be better if instead of their agenda “go to hills”, “brings the hills” would be far better. If the hills and valleys are united, bringing peace and harmony in the state would be easier. AFESAM is also taking part in the movement for a united Manipur, Manongba added.

Lt. Col. Ajay Sharma, PRO (defence), major A. K. Sharma, TA Bn, members of AFESAM and all the officers and staff of ECHS polyclinic, Imphal attend the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 7

An inspection-cum-public meeting was organised today by North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) in Bishnupur district covering Nongmaikhong of Thanga constituency and Ithai barrage of Loktak power project.

The inspection is a follow up to the resolution taken yesterday by the forum and other CVOs at Classic Grande hotel to revoke various memorandum of understanding (MoUs) signed for construction of mega dams in the North Eastern states.

The villagers and eminent leaders of Nongmaikhong said in a public meeting held at the house of its pradhan S. Manglemba that the village has gone through a lot and suffered many losses after the construction of Ithai barrage in 1980.

One of the villagers recalled that they used to be self-sufficient and lived a normal village life having their own agricultural land and fishery farms and survived easily from it. He charged that the loss of villagers was not considered in building this Ithai dam. In the name of giving free electricity, the villagers were tempted to give up their possessions to the demands of the government, he added.

1. Kundalei, one of the women gathered, complained that the government did not give compensation instead imposed tax for using the water body created by the barrage for electricity. “We don’t want compensation or anything, but we want this barrage and Loktak project to be decommissioned and want our land back,” she said.

Nongmaikhong area has a population of approximately 1200 and is one of the most prone areas of flood and the villagers blamed that it is because of the hydro project near the village.

Budhi Singh, a social worker, said that it is too late to decry for the decommissioning of the barrage, as it is almost 40 years but urged the gathering to cooperate fully in the decommissioning process. He asked if there is any MoU on compensation between the NHPC and the government.

The public meeting and the investigation trip was participated by representatives from all the North Eastern states including Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam said that the forefathers, to whose memory the 24th Khongjom Tarpan has been organised, had sacrificed their lives to protect the unity, territory and diverse culture of the state.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 24th Khongjom Tarpan orgainsed by the Khongjom War Memorial Trust at Khongjom Tritha of Khongjom war memorial complex. The dignitaries made the offering and paid floral tribute at the Khongjom Tritha.

The minister said it would not be right just to commemorate only on such occasions but what is necessary is to contemplate why they made the sacrifices for the motherland setting an example for the generations to come.

If their sacrifices are remembered then every unwanted circumstances prevailing in the society due to political, social or religious differences could be overcome, he added.

Th. Radheshyam said Khongjom is one of the most important historical destinations for the people of the state, and also a booming tourist destination. Assuring the people he said that he will discuss the prevailing condition of the memorial complex with the chief minister for resuming the developmental work being carried out in and around the complex.

On the occasion of paying homage to the great souls, Chairman MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam Singh, MLA, S. Subashchandra Singh, MLA, N. Indrajeet Singh, deputy commisioner, Thoubal L. Nabakishwar Singh, former minister M. Hemanta Singh and people from different parts of the state were also present.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Sept 7

Three girls from Churachandpur were rescued from the hands of traffickers by Special Investigation Team (SIT), Churachandpur today.

The rescued girls are of the ages of 15, 16 and 17. They were brought from Rangoon by SIT which was formed to deal with human trafficking case by tying up with Tengnoupal Police and CWC, Churachandpur. While rescuing the girls, two women who are into human trafficking business were also arrested from Churachandpur.

According to a press communique by additional SP of Churachandpur, SIT was formed by SP of Churachandpur, Rakesh Balwal, comprising of five officers on September 3, to investigate on human trafficking based on Immoral Trafficking (P) Act, 1956.

The communique stated that the SIT has visited family members of the victims affected by human trafficking. The team has been examining the victims minutely in the process of which statements from more than 16 prosecution’s witnesses have been recorded so far with five more complaints being received from the parents of other victims whose whereabouts are still not known.

With the assistance of the Tengnoupal district police and CWC (Child Welfare Committee) Churachandpur, three victims are rescued from Myanmar during the last 48 hours while two accused persons were arrested and remanded into police custody for eight days starting from today. The accused persons were identified as Irene Ngaihoih (35), daughter of Tuolkhom of LB Tang and Nengneingai (25), wife of H. Ginminthang Simte of Thingkangphai village.

Earlier, four persons were arrested from Churachandpur, they were Esther (32), wife of Lalmuanldma of Thingkangphai, Lalngaihawmi (32), wife of Lalbeiseia of Thingkangphai village, , Lunkhosat Haokip (31), son of Somkhopao Haokip of Lhalpi village, Chandel, at present Kanan Veng, Tuibong and Chingsuanching (37), wife of Kamsuankhai Murrluah of Khominthang, New Lamka.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

Education minister Thokchom Radheshyam said that the forefathers, to whose memory the 24th Khongjom Tarpan has been organised, had sacrificed their lives to protect the unity, territory and diverse culture of the state.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 24th Khongjom Tarpan orgainsed by the Khongjom War Memorial Trust at Khongjom Tritha of Khongjom war memorial complex. The dignitaries made the offering and paid floral tribute at the Khongjom Tritha.

The minister said it would not be right just to commemorate only on such occasions but what is necessary is to contemplate why they made the sacrifices for the motherland setting an example for the generations to come.

If their sacrifices are remembered then every unwanted circumstances prevailing in the society due to political, social or religious differences could be overcome, he added.

Th. Radheshyam said Khongjom is one of the most important historical destinations for the people of the state, and also a booming tourist destination. Assuring the people he said that he will discuss the prevailing condition of the memorial complex with the chief minister for resuming the developmental work being carried out in and around the complex.

On the occasion of paying homage to the great souls, Chairman MANIDCO Dr. Y. Radheshyam Singh, MLA, S. Subashchandra Singh, MLA, N. Indrajeet Singh, deputy commisioner, Thoubal L. Nabakishwar Singh, former minister M. Hemanta Singh and people from different parts of the state were also present.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | Sept 7

Three girls from Churachandpur were rescued from the hands of traffickers by Special Investigation Team (SIT), Churachandpur today.

The rescued girls are of the ages of 15, 16 and 17. They were brought from Rangoon by SIT which was formed to deal with human trafficking case by tying up with Tengnoupal Police and CWC, Churachandpur. While rescuing the girls, two women who are into human trafficking business were also arrested from Churachandpur.

According to a press communique by additional SP of Churachandpur, SIT was formed by SP of Churachandpur, Rakesh Balwal, comprising of five officers on September 3, to investigate on human trafficking based on Immoral Trafficking (P) Act, 1956.

The communique stated that the SIT has visited family members of the victims affected by human trafficking. The team has been examining the victims minutely in the process of which statements from more than 16 prosecution’s witnesses have been recorded so far with five more complaints being received from the parents of other victims whose whereabouts are still not known.

With the assistance of the Tengnoupal district police and CWC (Child Welfare Committee) Churachandpur, three victims are rescued from Myanmar during the last 48 hours while two accused persons were arrested and remanded into police custody for eight days starting from today. The accused persons were identified as Irene Ngaihoih (35), daughter of Tuolkhom of LB Tang and Nengneingai (25), wife of H. Ginminthang Simte of Thingkangphai village.

Earlier, four persons were arrested from Churachandpur, they were Esther (32), wife of Lalmuanldma of Thingkangphai, Lalngaihawmi (32), wife of Lalbeiseia of Thingkangphai village, , Lunkhosat Haokip (31), son of Somkhopao Haokip of Lhalpi village, Chandel, at present Kanan Veng, Tuibong and Chingsuanching (37), wife of Kamsuankhai Murrluah of Khominthang, New Lamka.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

Assam Rifles camp at Moirang Khunao conducted a lecture at St Xavier’s High School, Moirang on the harmful impact of use of plastic on environment, said a release by PIB, Defence, Imphal.

It said, the lecture was attended by six teachers and 150 students and the event was appreciated and applauded by teachers and students for creating awareness for pollution free environment. The drive was under taken to generate awareness among the locals, especially youth and children and on importance of environment preservation. A talk was also delivered by post commander to motivate students to join Sainik School.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 7

For the fourth consecutive day, the state police continued the search at the house of Yambem Ningthem at his Mantripukhri residence. The police after obtaining a house search warrant had started conducting the raids since September 4 which commenced at 6 am.

Sources state that the MDS chief had kept several important files at his residence including some details of his bank account transactions.

The police as per sources have been able to recover some important documents pertaining to the MDS and it projects. This was a fallout of the State Vigilance commission conducting an inquiry into the MDS and had suggested that the many documents needed to be recovered from the residence of Yambem Ningthem.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

Assam Rifles camp at Moirang Khunao conducted a lecture at St Xavier’s High School, Moirang on the harmful impact of use of plastic on environment, said a release by PIB, Defence, Imphal.

It said, the lecture was attended by six teachers and 150 students and the event was appreciated and applauded by teachers and students for creating awareness for pollution free environment. The drive was under taken to generate awareness among the locals, especially youth and children and on importance of environment preservation. A talk was also delivered by post commander to motivate students to join Sainik School.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 7

For the fourth consecutive day, the state police continued the search at the house of Yambem Ningthem at his Mantripukhri residence. The police after obtaining a house search warrant had started conducting the raids since September 4 which commenced at 6 am.

Sources state that the MDS chief had kept several important files at his residence including some details of his bank account transactions.

The police as per sources have been able to recover some important documents pertaining to the MDS and it projects. This was a fallout of the State Vigilance commission conducting an inquiry into the MDS and had suggested that the many documents needed to be recovered from the residence of Yambem Ningthem.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Sept 7

One-day training cum awareness programme for promotion of banana fibre was held at Kangpokpi district today.

The programme was attended as chief guest by spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh and overall in-charge of Hill District, BJP Manipur unit, Kim Gangte. She said that Manipur as a whole could witness overall development when the people of hill districts collectively put efforts for the welfare of the state.

‘The new BJP government in the state has pulled up new things, new ideas, new initiative and new efforts which had never happen before for caused of the people’, said Kim Gangte.

While lauding the Handloom and Textiles Department, government of Manipur for introducing the benefit of banana fibre to the people during the training cum awareness for promotion of banana fibre, Kim Gangte said that young learners or students have important roles to play in promoting the new initiative.

She continued that student community needs to come up with new thoughts, better ideas and striking efforts with the introduction of the various benefits of banana fibre to achieve its meaningful purpose.

The training cum awareness programme was organised by District Handlooms and Textiles Office, Imphal West district in association with Weaver Cell BJP Manipur, and it was sponsored by Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur.

The programme was also attended by project manager of District Handloom and Textiles office, Senapati district, N. Nilabantajit Singh as president, while the guests of honour were convenor of Weaver Cell BJP Manipur, Th. Sunila Devi and project manager of District Handloom and Textiles, Imphal West district, L. Sorojini Devi.

Hundreds of locals including students of JNV Kangpokpi took part in the training cum awareness programme where the usefulness and benefits of banana fibre was demonstrated to the students and other participants by the experts.

By Jimmy Leivon

GANGTOK | Sept 7

“No Health reporting is not news worthy”, said said a leading media personality from Northeast today. Karma Paljor, consulting editor of CNN New 18 was speaking at the media sensitisation workshop organised by Public Health Foundation of India (PFHI) here today at Hotel Heritage.

The workshop titled “Building Effective Communication Pathway for Public Health in the North-East” was held at the backdrop of the 2nd North East Health Care Summit 2017, is being organised by PHFI in partnership with the ministry of (MDoNER), government of Sikkim and the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) from September 8 and 9.

This also marks the centenary celebrations of the S.T.N.M. hospital.

The Summit aims to bring key stakeholders including media and public health experts, to understand the media reporting challenges in highlighting public health in the Northeast and share key research areas.

In TV it is least debated subject and often stories are sidelined, Paljor said contextualising both the commercial as well as challenges health reportage. Health reporter is relegated especially in electronic media to fixed appointment for the higher up, he said.

TV has killed reporting, he said rueing the deficit of good reporting.

For both print and electronic media, most health issues are neglected unless it is politically sensitive; he noted citing the example of recent Gorakhpur incident. However, he said the problem arises because the media mostly do event report only.

Are we asking the right questions? Paljor said adding that one way to catch the interest is to ask how, when and why, instead of mere event reporting. The media should also have a ‘built-in bullshit meters’ in order to fight the fake news syndrome and other challenges, he said.

This is important in the context of health, as too many news about it are spread in social media, he said.

We have to contest and present more holistic views to readers as the issue will impact each one of us, if not today in the near future, he stressed further citing social-religio factors that do round in the social media.

Paljor however said social media must become a vital part of any media organisations and emphasising on packaging the report to suit diverse audience. 

Don’t get stuck with the data, humanise the story, was the advice of Subhojit Sengupta Associate Editor, Network18. Bring in the human element to connect with the audience, added. 

In the context of health reportage, he said that the reporting must go behind hospital report. For example, reports on Anganwadi works, the last chain in health service delivery in India could offer many perspectives, Sengupta said.

Break down the jargons, he further said to both media personnel and researchers gathered stressing that in the end, any news or report should be disseminated easily to the public.

Member of Parliament, Sikkim, PD Rai further augmented Paljor view and said that even in the parliament, health issue seldom get attention form the legislators, unless it is politically sensitive.

Amit Patro, editor Sikkim Express, exhorted the media person to report beyond hospital and highlight public health issue in a more holistic and sensitive way. Digital presence through various medium is vital for survival as well as wider audiences, especially the print media, all the panellists in the workshop concurred.

The world has moved from print to TV to digital platform, the news media must also grow both vertically and horizontally by integrating all the news, they agreed.

It will not only create awareness but led to further interest in different health issues.

In finding way linkage between information seeker, listener and communicator, the newspapers and media can act as a catalyst, concluded Dr. Bamin Tada, Director Regional Reaoeach Centre MoHFW for Northeast States.

Journalists from almost all the Northeastern States also took part in the workshop.

IMPHAL | Sept 7

The Fire Service department has introduced a mobile task unit which will be stationed at different places of importance like Khwairamband Bazar, Singjamei Bazar and other places. A release by director of Manipur Fire Service, Imphal said that the mobile task unit will be on rotational basis to combat any fire emergency and also to create awareness regarding fire safety measures.

By Jimmy Leivon

GANGTOK | Sept 7

“No Health reporting is not news worthy”, said said a leading media personality from Northeast today. Karma Paljor, consulting editor of CNN New 18 was speaking at the media sensitisation workshop organised by Public Health Foundation of India (PFHI) here today at Hotel Heritage.

The workshop titled “Building Effective Communication Pathway for Public Health in the North-East” was held at the backdrop of the 2nd North East Health Care Summit 2017, is being organised by PHFI in partnership with the ministry of (MDoNER), government of Sikkim and the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital (STNM) from September 8 and 9.

This also marks the centenary celebrations of the S.T.N.M. hospital.

The Summit aims to bring key stakeholders including media and public health experts, to understand the media reporting challenges in highlighting public health in the Northeast and share key research areas.

In TV it is least debated subject and often stories are sidelined, Paljor said contextualising both the commercial as well as challenges health reportage. Health reporter is relegated especially in electronic media to fixed appointment for the higher up, he said.

TV has killed reporting, he said rueing the deficit of good reporting.

For both print and electronic media, most health issues are neglected unless it is politically sensitive; he noted citing the example of recent Gorakhpur incident. However, he said the problem arises because the media mostly do event report only.

Are we asking the right questions? Paljor said adding that one way to catch the interest is to ask how, when and why, instead of mere event reporting. The media should also have a ‘built-in bullshit meters’ in order to fight the fake news syndrome and other challenges, he said.

This is important in the context of health, as too many news about it are spread in social media, he said.

We have to contest and present more holistic views to readers as the issue will impact each one of us, if not today in the near future, he stressed further citing social-religio factors that do round in the social media.

Paljor however said social media must become a vital part of any media organisations and emphasising on packaging the report to suit diverse audience. 

Don’t get stuck with the data, humanise the story, was the advice of Subhojit Sengupta Associate Editor, Network18. Bring in the human element to connect with the audience, added. 

In the context of health reportage, he said that the reporting must go behind hospital report. For example, reports on Anganwadi works, the last chain in health service delivery in India could offer many perspectives, Sengupta said.

Break down the jargons, he further said to both media personnel and researchers gathered stressing that in the end, any news or report should be disseminated easily to the public.

Member of Parliament, Sikkim, PD Rai further augmented Paljor view and said that even in the parliament, health issue seldom get attention form the legislators, unless it is politically sensitive.

Amit Patro, editor Sikkim Express, exhorted the media person to report beyond hospital and highlight public health issue in a more holistic and sensitive way. Digital presence through various medium is vital for survival as well as wider audiences, especially the print media, all the panellists in the workshop concurred.

The world has moved from print to TV to digital platform, the news media must also grow both vertically and horizontally by integrating all the news, they agreed.

It will not only create awareness but led to further interest in different health issues.

In finding way linkage between information seeker, listener and communicator, the newspapers and media can act as a catalyst, concluded Dr. Bamin Tada, Director Regional Reaoeach Centre MoHFW for Northeast States.

Journalists from almost all the Northeastern States also took part in the workshop.