SHILLONG, MAY 10: Asserting that Meghalaya’s press has “total freedom,” Information & Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Saturday called on journalists to stay dynamic, stick to facts, and take on the challenge of misinformation spread by social media. 

He was speaking at the World Press Freedom Day programme organised by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Shillong Press Club, and Meghalaya Editors & Publishers Association. 

“When we talk about World Press Freedom Day in the context of Meghalaya, I am very happy that in this society, since time immemorial, there is freedom,” Rymbui said.

“Each and everybody has the freedom to express themselves, to express ideas, to express their grievances.” 

The minister said the state has maintained a healthy equation between institutions. “I am very happy also that successive governments have never used or misused the press for their own benefit,” he said.

“There is a cordial relationship between the government and the press, between the press and law agencies and the legal fraternity, and also with all the traditional heads and everybody.” 

“We are very fortunate, especially these days when we have seen all over the world, even in our country, there are some restrictions and some diktat on what to be done and what not to do,” he added.