20th Foundation Day of ISTV celebrated

The 20th Foundation Day of ISTV was celebrated yesterday. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren has congratulated and expressed best wishes to the Information Service Television Network (ISTV) on the 20th Foundation Day of ISTV and further appreciated their sincerity, hard work, and contribution of the network to the State.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest of the 20th Foundation Day of ISTV celebration held on Friday at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) auditorium, Palace Compound.

We live in a democracy and enjoy the freedom of expression, and freedom of the press, he said. We accept criticism, but not an accusation, he said, explaining the need to understand the differences between the two.

The Chief Minister further expressed the need for living together, saying that no community should dominate over another.

Only when we understand the different communities residing together in the State will we be able to bring good governance, N Biren said, seeking support and cooperation from all so that we will all live together unitedly.

The Chief Minister also spoke on the War on Drugs campaign and said that the campaign has become a people’s war and will soon be a success.

He said that both print and electronic media have important roles to play in building a society, but the visual medium is more effective in creating awareness among the people. Today with the mass awareness among the public, the people are coming out voluntarily in support of the War on Drugs campaign and destroying poppy plantations.

Speaking on the influx along the international border, the Chief Minister said that once construction of the 34 police outposts along the border is complete, it will prevent and protect from the influx of illegal immigrants along the border.

The foundation day of ISTV function was also attended by Ministers Awangbow Newmai, Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, MLAs Thongam Shanti, and Sanasam Premchandra, among others.