Home and IPRP&S Ministers Hold Meeting with Officials Over Journalists’ Grievances Related to Republic Day Arrangements

Aizawl, January 2026: Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga and Information, Public Relations, Printing & Stationery (IPRP&S) Minister Pu B. Lalchhanzova today held a meeting with senior officials to address the grievances expressed by journalists in connection with the Republic Day 2026 celebrations. The meeting was held in the Home Minister’s office chamber following complaints raised by media persons regarding the Republic Day programme arrangements. Officials from the Aizawl Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the State Protocol Office and the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), who were entrusted with key responsibilities for organising the Republic Day celebrations, were called for the discussion.

Those present at the meeting included IPRP&S Secretary Pi Betsy Zothanpari Sailo, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Er. Lalhriatpuia, State Protocol Officer Pu Lalmuansanga Ralte, DIPR Joint Directors Pi Mina Zoliani Joute and Pu Malsawmsanga, and DIPR Deputy Director Pu Andrew H. Lalremruata.

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga said it was unfortunate that journalists faced dissatisfaction and difficulties during the Republic Day celebrations and the “Governor’s At Home” programme. He said the meeting was convened to seriously review and reassess the issues that had arisen, and stressed the need for detailed discussions with the concerned government officials so that clearer and better planning could be ensured in future events.

IPRP&S Minister Pu B. Lalchhanzova said that journalists play a vital role as partners in government programmes by highlighting and disseminating important events. He termed the difficulties faced by media persons due to inadequate planning as regrettable. While acknowledging the concerns of journalists, he also emphasised the importance of understanding the official perspective. He called for dialogue without confrontation, mutual understanding and cooperation, and said it was essential to collectively find ways to move forward from the challenges faced, expressing hope that something positive would emerge from the situation.

At the request of the Home Minister, the IPRP&S Secretary, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner, State Protocol Officer and I&PR officials also shared their views from the official side. Secretary Pi Betsy Zothanpari Sailo stated that meetings had already been held with leaders and members of the Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA), and acknowledged that there were areas on the official side that required improvement. She added that the government takes the concerns of the MJA seriously, and urged journalists as well to move forward with maturity and a broader outlook, contributing their best in the interest of the state.

Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Er. Lalhriatpuia also expressed regret over the dissatisfaction caused to journalists. He said that introspection had been carried out on their part and that necessary corrective steps, including internal guidance and clarifications, had already been initiated. He assured that further steps would be taken as required and that greater care and caution would be exercised in future.

During the meeting, a detailed and open discussion was held. It was agreed that, under the coordination of the Aizawl Deputy Commissioner, the Protocol Office and the Directorate of Information & Public Relations would hold a joint meeting with MJA leaders at the earliest. It was also agreed that a designated media enclosure should be set up during Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, and that greater care should be taken in the issuance of invitations in future.