The Editors Guild of India is hosting a new series of webinars called ‘Unheard Voices: Reporting from Conflict Zones’, where they invite veteran journalists to share their experiences and challenges of reporting from conflict areas.
The first edition, scheduled at 4 pm on 15 December, is going to discuss 'Reporting from North East India', with an eminent panel of speakers – Sanjoy Hazarika, Ranju Dodum, Teresa Rehman and Pradip Phanjoubam.
Sanjoy Hazarika is a human rights activist, author and journalist globally-known for his contribution in designing and developing innovative strategies for inclusive health and governance. He said, “There is an extreme threat of violation and intimidation on journalists like the attack on Patricia Mukhim in the Northeast.”
He added, “Beside the need to bridge the gap between the Delhi-based media and ground reportage from Northeast areas, there is also a need to address the problem of discrimination against the people from these areas.”
Teresa Rehman, an award-winning journalist who has worked at several publications, including India Today, The Telegraph and Tehelka, talked about the gender lens in conflict reporting. She said, “A female reporter in a conflict zone and inaccessible zone face toxicity, sexist humour and objectification.”
Ranju Dodum has also worked for several international and national media organisations like The Telegraph, The Washington Post, The Citizen, The Hindu and Livemint. He said, “Conflict reporting also means constantly being in conflict with the State and its policies.”
Pradip Phanjoubam, the Editor of Imphal Free Press and the author of "The Northeast Question: Conflicts and Frontiers", said, “The reportage on Northeast is extremely insensitive and alienated. You are not heard until you scream to be heard.”
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