Shillong, Nov 16: Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Friday stressed on the need to put in place mechanisms to deal with cyber crimes, and called upon media persons to perform their duty responsibly in this age of digital world.

Addressing media persons on national press day and silver jubilee of the Shillong Press Club here on the theme, “journalistic ethics in digital age,” Conrad said that the issue of fake news is a matter of concern which has impact the whole world.

Greeting everyone on national press day, the chief minister assured that issues related welfare of the media would be addressed, adding that among other issues, the government would first address critical ones within the current financial year.

Emphasizing the need to adapt to digital change, he was confident that print media would never cease to exist.

He also talked about the government initiative to start smart village projects in the state.

Lauding media persons for performing their duty in serving the state and disseminating information to the public, the chief minister said, “We have issues of fake news which is a concern and has impacted the world.”

He also asked the media to make sure facts must come out as it is the job of press to tell to people facts or criticize the government anything for good.

Conrad also stressed the need to create more awareness about cyber crime which affect the people through the use of technology.

“We have to do a lot to ensure proper mechanism and technology are in place. The threat due to cyber crime is a wake up call for all of us and the government” the chief minister said while assuring to take measures to ensure that technology would be used to monitor things legally.

Information and public relations minister, A.L Hek said that media and public representatives should work to build nation.

Stating that media plays viral role in building nation, Hek however urged media persons to be cautious as there are also news that destroy instead of building nation.

Christopher Rani, CEO of CR Projects Shillong, and Ebenezer Lyngwa from the State eMission Team of Meghalaya IT department also presented their papers on cyber crimes and digital age.

Prizes were also distributed to media persons who emerged winners in various competitions which include cycling, carom board and futsal organised as part of the Shillong Press Club silver jubilee.

In the evening, a football match between journalists and team of the chief minister was played as part of national press day at JN Stadium, Polo.
The journalists team won the match 5-1.