Ukhrul: In a significant move, Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA) has organised the first Naga Journalists’ Conclave from March 17-19, 2025 at Magen Hills, Viewland in Ukhrul district headquarters.
The Conclave held under the motto, “Connecting Voices” was attended by working Journalists from various Naga districts of Manipur, namely Chandel, Noney, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul.
With an aim to consolidate the solidarity of Naga journalists in the state, the Conclave revived the now defunct union called “Syndication of Naga Journalists”, and rechristened it as Naga Journalists’ Union Manipur” (NJUM) under the motto “Connecting Voices”.
It may be noted that Syndication of Naga Journalists (SNJ) was formed in February 2003 by veteran Naga journalists. According to Witoubou Newmai, Chief Editor of Newmai News Network (NNN) and one of the founding members of SNJ, the Naga journalists common platform was formed said with an aim to maintain a cohesive Union and garner the idea of coming together under one platform. However, unfortunately, the Union has been defunct for sometime due to various factors.
Meanwhile, Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC) graced the inaugural event as the proponent of the Conclave, while Witoubou Newmai, Chief Editor of Newmai News Network (NNN) and Sothing Hunphun Awungshi, senior journalist, were the panelists.
During the discussion hours, the concerned Naga Journalists deliberate various issues and challenges pertaining to journalism works and took series of resolutions.
The attending members has constituted an “Interim Body” headed by President, General Secretary, Vice Presidents, Executive members and Drafting committee.
Pr Tennoson has been elected as the Interim President and Vangamla Salle KS as the General Secretary. The district association presidents of Chandel, Noney, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul were made of vice-presidents while the five district association secretaries will be the executive members of the interim body.
Senior Naga journalists Witoubou Newmai, Sothing Hunphun Awungshi and Ngathingkhui Jagoi were elected as the Drafting Committee.
The Interim Body tenure will continue until the election date, which is tentatively fixed on February 14, 2026.
Also Read | How a Cachar hamlet ravaged by floods found a lifeline in mobile water unit