Manipur’s state government marked National Press Day on Sunday, emphasizing the need to protect the press from rising misinformation. The event celebrated a free, responsible media while encouraging journalists to keep reporting the truth.
“We celebrate this day to reinforce a free press and the responsibility that comes with it,” said Hungyo Worshang, Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department. “Today’s theme—‘Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation’—is spot‑on, because fake news is spreading faster than ever.”
Worshang warned that journalists in Manipur face many obstacles. “Pressure groups, political winds and social media can flip a simple fact into a headline,” he said. “Even in a free country, it’s hard to deliver balanced, accurate stories.”
He also highlighted how technology has changed news habits. “People now read on phones and social media instead of newspapers,” he said. “The press must step up and offer reliable, verified information so that people stop following unverified content.”
Ngangom Uttam Singh, the Director of Information and Public Relations, added that misinformation can fuel tension and start bad incidents. “We see news released so quickly that verification is often skipped,” he said. “We need to check every side before we publish.”
Both officials stressed that journalists should keep their reporting objective, use fact‑checking tools, and resist sensational headlines that stir emotions. “AI can spread fake news, but it can also help us verify facts,” Singh said. “It’s a tool we can use for good if we apply it responsibly.”
The event also celebrated seven senior journalists who received the Manipur State Journalist Awards 2025 for outstanding work in news, documentary filmmaking, and community reporting. Their stories help remind the public that a credible press is vital for an informed society.
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