Imphal: The two-day media workshop on child rights and responsible legal reporting concluded today in Manipur, marking a significant step toward strengthening ethical journalism practices.
Organized by the Khelen Thokchom Trust Manipur (KTTM) to commemorate the 64th birth anniversary of the late veteran journalist Khelen Thokchom, the workshop received support from the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) and the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MSALSA).
Held at Loktak Hall, Manipur Press Club, the event attracted journalists, legal experts, and advocates of child rights.
Day one of the workshop featured a session by Advocate Thiyam Rajkishore, who delivered a lecture on “Protection of Child Rights in Conflict,” addressing the unique vulnerabilities of children in crisis situations and the role of media in safeguarding their rights. Day two centered on the nuances of covering court matters, emphasizing the need for legal literacy among journalists.
A key resource person, Advocate Hijam Chandrakumar, led a session on “Legal Reporting,” where he stressed the broader scope of legal journalism, including topics such as judicial infrastructure and resource shortages. Chandrakumar offered practical guidance on handling legal notices, noting that reporters should remain factual and grounded, as accuracy in reporting diminishes legal risks. He also highlighted the importance of protecting minors’ identities and reputations in media coverage, advising journalists to adopt a restrained approach to cases involving children.
The workshop’s discussions also extended to the broader challenges facing journalists in Manipur. Yumnam Rupachandra, Editor-in-Chief of IMPACT TV and secretary of the Editors’ Guild of Manipur, described the frequent intimidation faced by journalists from law enforcement agencies. To combat this, he shared that Manipur’s media fraternity has established a dedicated cell to address instances of intimidation and uphold press freedom in the region.
Moderated by senior editor Irengbam Arun, the workshop included insights from MCPCR Chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar. He noted that children under 18 make up 40% of the 60,000 displaced by Manipur’s ongoing crisis, expressing concern over the insufficient media focus on displaced children. He urged the media to approach sensitive terms with care, suggesting that “children’s homes” replace words like “orphanages” to maintain respect and dignity for affected children.
The workshop underscored the essential role of ethical, child-sensitive journalism, offering attendees a valuable platform to engage with legal and ethical standards in their work.
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