Northeast Desk, 14th June: The Pasighat Press Club (PPC), an affiliated branch of the Arunachal Press Club (APC), held its first-ever coordination meeting in Pasighat following the APC’s approval to establish the club. This meeting marked a significant milestone for journalists working in Pasighat and its neighboring districts, addressing a long-standing demand for a dedicated press club in the region.
The establishment of the PPC is seen as a boon not only for journalists but also for the general public. It provides a local venue for press conferences held by civil societies, organizations, institutions, and political entities, much like the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the PPC and enhance its infrastructure and facilities, new office bearers were elected by a secret ballot vote. The meeting attendees elected Maksam Tayeng as President and Mingkeng Osik as General Secretary.
In his address, President Maksam Tayeng urged journalists, especially the young and budding ones, to adhere to APC’s rules and maintain journalistic ethics. He recounted the history and struggles of journalists in Pasighat, mentioning the formation of the East Siang Press Association (ESPA) in 2014 due to the non-approval of PPC by APC at that time. Tayeng expressed optimism that the PPC would ease the burden on citizens who previously had to travel long distances to Itanagar for press conferences.
General Secretary Mingkeng Osik discussed the future plans for the welfare of journalists in Pasighat and surrounding districts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining journalistic ethics. Former ESPA General Secretary and current PPC Treasurer, Ipak Diyum, highlighted the hardships journalists faced without a unified organization and stressed the need to strengthen PPC.
Other office bearers selected include Toram Melong (IPR Secretary), Osu Gamnoh (Coordinator), Bompi Zirdo (Chief Auditor), Saraswati Gao (Auditor), Neha Perin (Assistant Auditor), Aliza Deori (Assistant Treasurer), Anand Borang (Assistant IPR Secretary), and Iken Lomi (Assistant Coordinator).
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