IJU at MEDIA Conclave 2026: Strong Stand for Press Freedom, Journalist Safety, and Accountability in Manipur Attack

Aseem Bhkta Singh, KalimNews, Kozhikode, Kerala | April 25, 2026 : The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Indian Journalists' Union (IJU) began today at the Sea Queen Hotel, Beach Road, Kozhikode, as part of the ongoing MEDIA Conclave 2026, with a powerful focus on press freedom, journalist safety, and institutional accountability. The three-day conclave, being held from April 24 to 26, has brought together journalists from across India to deliberate on pressing issues such as media independence, labour rights, digital transformation, policy frameworks, and the growing challenges faced by journalists on the ground.

The inaugural session was attended by Shri O. Sadasivan, Hon’ble Mayor of Kozhikode Corporation, and Shri M.K. Raghavan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, both of whom emphasized the indispensable role of a free and responsible press in strengthening democratic governance and public accountability. Their presence highlighted the importance of dialogue between media institutions and democratic representatives at a time when journalism faces increasing pressures.

Presiding over the session, IJU President Geetartha Pathak made a strong statement on the multiple challenges confronting the media today. He asserted that attacks on journalists, rising economic insecurity, and increasing restrictions on media independence are not isolated incidents but part of a deeper systemic crisis that requires urgent corrective action. He emphasized that the IJU will intensify its efforts to ensure the implementation of Wage Board recommendations, safeguard press freedom, and hold authorities accountable wherever journalists face threats, intimidation, or obstruction in the discharge of their duties.

IJU Secretary General Sabina Inderjit presented a comprehensive report on the Union’s activities, outlining key concerns before the NEC and calling for coordinated national-level action to strengthen journalist protection, welfare, and professional rights across the country.

A significant part of the deliberations focused on Manipur, where the situation for journalists remains deeply concerning. Representing the state, a delegation from the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) raised serious concerns about ongoing unrest and the impact of security-related restrictions on media personnel. AMWJU President Shri Asem Bhakta Singh highlighted the difficult environment in which journalists continue to operate, pointing to instances where reporting activities have been affected by security actions. He urged the IJU to strongly intervene with authorities to ensure that journalists in conflict zones can work freely, safely, and without intimidation.

AMWJU General Secretary Shri Khwirakpam Naoba presented the Union’s progress report for 2025–2026, detailing welfare initiatives undertaken and the persistent hardships faced by journalists in the state. He stressed that ensuring the safety of journalists in such volatile conditions is not merely a professional concern but a fundamental democratic necessity. The AMWJU also expressed gratitude for the solidarity extended by journalist organizations across the country during these challenging times.

The NEC strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists in Manipur, allegedly by security forces, describing it as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic values. Reiterating deep concern, IJU President Geetartha Pathak stated, “The attack on journalists in Manipur is not just an isolated act of violence but a dangerous attempt to silence the voice of the media. A free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and any attempt to intimidate journalists will be firmly resisted.”

Secretary General Sabina Inderjit further emphasized, “Journalists working in conflict and sensitive regions are already operating under immense pressure. Such brutal actions by security forces are unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally. The government must ensure that media persons can carry out their duties without fear or obstruction.”

The IJU has demanded that the government immediately identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack and initiate strict legal proceedings against them. It warned that impunity in such cases would only embolden further attacks on journalists. The Union also called for the urgent implementation of concrete and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of media professionals in Manipur and across the country.

Speakers throughout the session unanimously stressed that the safety of journalists is directly linked to the health of democracy itself, and any attempt to silence or intimidate the press must be firmly opposed in every form.

The NEC is expected to adopt a series of strong resolutions over the course of the conclave, focusing on journalist safety, insurance and welfare schemes, accreditation systems, digital media regulation, and region-specific challenges, with a clear emphasis on strengthening press freedom and ensuring institutional accountability.