Port Blair, Feb 24: A team of visiting journalists from Manipur sought the support of the Islands administration to construct a memorial in memory of Manipuri freedom fighters and also a guest house at Port Blair. In a Media Interaction Programme organised by the Press Information Bureau at Port Blair last evening, the Journalists exchanged their views and ideas with the Islands media fraternity. During the interaction, the President of All Manipuri Working Journalists Association, Mobi Singh said the Manipuri Journalists already appealed to the Manipur Government to construct a memorial at Mount Harriet in memory of those freedom fighters from Manipur who languished in Cellular Jail and also sought the support of the Islands Administration for the allotment of suitable land. Besides, they also desired to have their own guest house at Port Blair to facilitate the visit of the Manipuri nationals to visit these islands.
Mobisingh said they requested the Islands Chief Secretary, Anand Prakash to extend his support and possible assistance for the construction of the Memorial and Guest House during their meeting with him recently. Appreciating their intention, the Chief Secretary advised them to send a proposal through the government of Manipur to get clearance from the Union Government as the proposed site for the construction of the memorial falls under reserve forest zone.
The Manipuri scribes said they were much impressed by the vital role of these islands in our freedom struggle after their visit to the national memorial, Cellular Jail and the erstwhile British capital, Ross Island. They also appreciated the law and order situation in the islands, especially the negligent crime rate in Andamans, where as the crime rate is high in Manipur and both print and electronic media predominantly covered crime related issues.
Later, they attended a music concert organised by All India Radio as part of its Golden Jubilee Celebration. They said they were very happy to hear Hindi songs, as the screening of Hindi films and songs were banned in Manipur by the insurgent groups.
The 22 member Manipuri Journalists team led by the Mobi Singh, President of All Manipuri working Journalists Association arrived at the islands on 19th of this month and will return on 25th of this month on completion of their visit. Their week long visit to these historical place has been partially sponsored by the Government of Manipur.
