Imphal : Local Newspapers failed to hit the stands in Manipur on Friday. On this day (August 25), as in previous years, the Manipur Hawkers’ Association (MHA) observed its 42nd Hawkers’ Day at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Floral tributes were paid to the photos of the deceased hawkers as a part of the function. General Secretary of Manipur Hawkers’ Association Wangkhem Ajit said the day is being observed in honor of the late members of the association. He said that hawkers and journalists are warriors of the media and any print media house would not be able to deliver its news to the public without support from hawkers.

He further stated that with the dedication and commitment of hawkers, many newspaper subscribers are able to read the news of what is happening in and around the state.

The president of the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM), Khogendra Khomdra who was the chief guest of the observation stated that the hawkers faced hardships during the height of COVID-19 due to the prohibition of a number of hawkers’ entry into the residential areas for distribution of newspapers in fear of the possible spreading of the dreaded diseases.
As a part of the function, retired hawkers were provided monetary benefits.

President of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), Bijoy Kakchingtabam presided over the function.