Manipur Governor Ved Prakash Marwah has emphasised the importance of a free and independent press, saying the press is the sharpest weapon to protect and preserve democracy. Inaugurating the new building of the Manipur Press Club, the Governor observed that like the independence given to the judiciary, executive and legislature by the Indian Constitution, the press too had been given many rights to express itself freely in the interest of the public. The Governor also observed that the press was the only means to communicate with and impart knowledge to the public, and emphasised its role in motivating the social structure into better channels.

Expressing confidence that the press club will play a very important role in the State, Mr. Marwah assured that all efforts would be made to complete the construction of the second phase of the Press Club building at an early date.