It is rightly said, “memory of public is very short lived”, but certain high-profile controversial cases have created a mile-stone, in the history of justice. They have rocked both, the national and the local media in recent past. Jessica Lal murder case and Priyadarshni Mattoo case, top the list. Such cases will definitely be remembered by all of us for a long time. One thing which is common in all these cases, is the significant role of media in ensuring justice and bringing culprits to book.
We all say that media must report in a democratic manner. “Media and Democracy” - Media is plural of ‘medium’. It is an organized means of dissemination of facts, opinions, other information and their analysis. The term democracy comes from the Greek language and means rule by the (simple) people.
Is North East media able to remain democratic ? As an individual, would you like to read structured news ? Isn’t the very purpose of News lost, if these reports are void of freedom and frankness. In December last year, it was quite shocking to read about the life-attempt made on Mr Paonam Labango, Publisher and Editor of ‘Kangla Pao’, an evening daily based in Imphal. The press fraternity came all-out against the attack. The journalists staged a sit–in–protest and a resolution was passed, which included, a demand to the Government, to create a secure and free environment for the media persons. We all are aware that there are certain vested interests, who do not want the truth to reach the masses. Recent threat of the RPF (Revolutionary People’s Front , a UG outfit in Manipur) to the press, to suppress the news against the undergrounds, is another such case. Under such circumstances, does “pen still remain mightier than the sword” ?
Most important, is the freedom of opinion, speech and press. Let media reach out to the masses - neutrally. A vast, varied and vibrant media has a crucial role to play in creating a modern, progressive and a dynamic society, by guiding it through its reportage and criticisms.
Media reflects the true feelings of the voiceless people, and should be able to publish public-opinion with reality. In a diverse nation of a billion people, there are bound to be differences in taste, opinion, attitude and ideological preferences. The plurality of our society must be reflected in the diversity of our media. . Realizing the importance and need of a free press, many people have felt, that it is the ultimate check against the tyranny of authority, and a mirror, that has always kept people in authority, to remain in a continuous reality check. Independent media around the world, has emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the struggle-to-change, transforming repressive regimes into open and productive societies. This must be practiced, not only for the present but for our future generations also, who would hold us responsible for not correcting the wrongs in the society. We need to follow the spirit of Biblical quote while exercising our right of expression “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offence towards God and Man” Acts 24:16.
Lt Col Nirupam Bhargava
Public Relations Officer (Ministry of Defence)
Nagaland
