51st foundation day of Manipur Press Club observed Dialogue is the way forward : Khemchand

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 7 : Manipur Press Club celebrated its 51st foundation day yesterday.
Singjamei AC MLA Yumnam Khemchand, Lamlai AC MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Patsoi AC MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba) Information and Public Relations Director Nganom Uttam, Editors' Guild Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president Asem Bhakta attended the event at the Press Club as dignitaries.
While speaking at the event as the chief guest, Y Khemchand commented on the Manipur conflict, and said dialogue is the only way forward that can resolve the crisis and bring about a lasting peace.
He said civil society organisations organising discussions and dialogues to find ways to bring about normalcy and peace is a constructive step.
Only dialogues can bring about peace. And, it is the responsibility of every individual to try and restore normalcy and peace, he added.
He condemned the serial bomb blasts at Saiton Nganukon on January 5 which hurt two people, and said the persons responsible must be arrested at the earliest.
Incidents of bomb blast and firing occur whenever there is some semblance of normalcy in the State. Such incidents must be investigated to ascertain the "agencies" responsible, he added.
MLA Kh Ibomcha also commented on the incident and said it was an act aimed at sabotaging the peace process.
The President's Rule, which was last extended, will end on February 13. It is a crucial time. It is the desire of the Central leaders to form a popular Government in Manipur, Ibomcha said.
Formation of a popular Government or dissolution of the State Assembly to hold fresh elections--both of these scenarios require a conducive atmosphere, he said.
MLA S Kunjakeswor spoke on the roles of the media in a democracy, and urged the fraternity to publish balanced news. The dignitaries released a 2026 calendar and a diary.
'11 January 1983'--a novelette written by late Sagolsem Hemant, former AMWJU president was also released at the event. Dr RK Nimai spoke about the novelette.