Aizawl, Nov. 14: Chief minister Lalthanhawla lauded the state press for the selfless service they have rendered for the past four decades. He encouraged the gathering of journalists to show more perseverance and courage in their pursuit of factual reports, particularly when writing about political personalities.

He appreciated the bravery and intensity with which presspersons in other states pursued their reports and hoped that the local press would learn from them.

The chief minister was speaking at the ruby jubilee of the Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA) as the chief guest. Lalthanhawla was the founder president of the association 40 years ago.

“When we started out we were like a bunch of kids, but everything has a beginning and I am proud to see that the humble beginning has bloomed into a powerful body of people who can make a difference for good,” he said.

The state has over 40 dailies now, with each district headquarters publishing at least two or three dailies, not to speak about the numerous periodicals and magazines. There are over two dozen dailies in the capital alone, the largest being Vanglaini, Aizawl Post, Zozam Time and possibly the only evening newspaper in the Northeast region Evening Post.

“Going by ratio to population which is about 11 lakh, the state has the most daily newspapers,” Thanhawla said.

Lok Sabha MP, C.L. Ruala also attended the function. There are over 196 accredited journalists in the state.