Imkong Walling receives KPC Impact Journalism Award

Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | November 16

For his outstanding series of works throughout this year, in highlighting problems in the energy sector in Nagaland, Imkong Walling, the Principal Correspondent of The Morung Express was awarded the Kohima Press Club Impact Journalism Award 2021. The award was conferred on the occasion of National Press Day observed by the KPC in Kohima on Tuesday.

While journalism is often a ‘thankless job,’ Imkong Walling said this recognition is a pleasant surprise and an incentive for journalists such as this one would encourage them to their work better. He went on to say that what makes the award so special is that it did not come from the government but “from within my community.” “More power to a press, free of shackles,” he pronounced while expressing that “we should seriously consider appreciating and supporting one another, especially our work.” He further stated hope that there will be a state award for journalism one day, although not necessarily from the government.

With electricity being a basic need and right of the citizens, Imkong Walling was recognised for uncovering anomalies in the sector by filing RTIs and how revenue loss in the sector was created not just by general consumers alone but that many government officials/establishments were as much culpable. Besides the faults in the department, he has also written positive sides including the potentials in the sector.

The Kohima Press Club Impact Journalism Award was instituted last year to give recognition to journalists for exemplary work and to encourage media professionals to do better. 

“It is wonderful that the Kohima Press Club has taken this initiative to recognise journalists who are making a difference at a time when the fourth pillar is often taken for granted, pushed to the margins, nor given the respect that it should be given,” noted Aküm Longchari, Publisher of The Morung Express.

He said that “the Kohima Press Club, through this initiative has served a reminder that for a vibrant and functioning democracy, there needs to be a free and robust press fraternity.” Commending Imkong for being consistent in speaking truth to power, he said that “through his stories, Imkong brings to public expression, the underbelly of the Nagaland state of affairs.” “I would say that he represents a new generation of journalists that is focused on investigative reporting and bringing about positive change,” he added.

Founding Editor of The Morung Express, Along Longkumer observed that Imkong stayed the course despite not being from the media background and has learnt over the years without any formal training. He credited him for specialising on certain areas over the years while also pointing to the vibrant policing and crime activities in Dimapur, wherein Imkong has done a lot of reporting in this aspect.

“I think he has done quite a lot of good reporting that has brought issues to light in the public domain. I have noticed that he has also developed this interest and I think has been very consistent in writing issues on electricity department,” he said while referring to the report on ‘backlog of unpaid bills’ among others. “That story is also a big impact story and created awareness within the department as well,” he noted.

Akangjungla, Director, News and Administration of The Morung Express described Imkong as a man of very few words but also one of the most articulate and honest journalists which is reflected in his stories and editorials. “He carries with him a very self-assured and confident presence. It is encouraging seeing him evolving and making a mark as an able journalist with a keen eye on issues of public interest,” she said.  

Meanwhile, Senior Journalist & General Secretary of Kohima Press Club, Atono Tsükrü Kense spoke of him as a ‘good journalist’ who has a knack to find where a story is. With his curious and analytical mind, she said, “he has the courage to tread where many hesitate to.” Stating that he is consistent and dedicated at what he does, she further pointed out that “at a time where the voices of the journalists are subdued by many factors, he is not someone to be coerced.” “If anyone deserves the KPC journalistic award, it is Imkong. I am very proud of him,” she expressed.

When Henlly Phom Odyuo of Eastern Mirror met Imkong 8 years ago, she felt that “he is a very tough looking guy that will give you a hostile feeling but as I got to know him he is the most soft-hearted guy.” Recalling years of working with him, she said, “When it comes to work, he can get on one’s nerve with his sharp and well informed quality. He meticulously raises question as he does serious background check in every press conferences giving a tough time to the other party and at times to us as well.”

“Imkong is an influential person as a journalist and I am glad that I worked with him for the last 8 years where I got to acquire knowledge and experience and what kind of question to raise to become the voice of the people,” she further expressed.

Temshinaro, Team Leader at Eastern Mirror, also testified that usually Imkong is the only one who raises important questions during press conferences. She noted that he never misses the crux of the story when reporting. “He is a good journalist. The way he writes is different from others and he deserves the award,” she said.