Kohima, May 3: Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along used humour to underscore a larger message on May 3, expressing appreciation for journalists who bring attention to stories from the Northeast, even as they frequently misspell his name.
In a post on X marking World Press Freedom Day, Along playfully listed variations of his name that have appeared in reports over the years, including “Temjin”, “Timjen” and “Temken”. He also recalled being once described as “the short minister from somewhere in the Northeast”.
Despite such errors, Along conveyed his continued regard for the media, noting that journalists have made the effort to travel to Nagaland and report on issues that often receive limited national attention. He acknowledged those who document under-reported stories from the region, stating that they help give visibility to areas many across the country remain unfamiliar with.
His remarks came against the backdrop of criticism from the Indian National Congress over the state of media freedom in India. The party pointed to the country’s ranking of 157 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, placing it in the “very serious” category, and raised concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism.
Describing a free press as fundamental to democracy, the Congress said the media’s voice was under pressure and expressed support for journalists committed to holding power to account and safeguarding democratic values.
Observed annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day highlights the importance of an independent media and serves as a reminder of governments’ obligations to uphold press freedom. The observance, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation by UNESCO, traces its origins to the Windhoek Declaration, which advocated for a free, independent and pluralistic press.
