The Manipur conflict has “gone off the front pages” and “little reporting” is being done by mainstream TV channels, according to a statement signed by 102 journalists part of the South Asian Women in Media, urging media organisations to “ensure that Manipur stays in the news”.
Underlining the “rapidly receded” media coverage of the conflict, the statement pointed out that the situation in the northeastern state must “not only be given front-page or prime-time coverage” but also adequate space in “editorials, articles and prime-time discussions”. It also said that “no pressure is being built by the media” to hold the state authorities accountable.
The SAWM urged reporters to follow-up on the atrocities faced by people and document the official apathy so that it “becomes impossible” for the government to treat the conflict as “business as usual”. It said more reporting is needed from states like Mizoram and Assam, “where the displaced have taken shelter, to bring alive the consequences of this ethnic war”.
The statement also highlighted that as of last week, “more than 142 people have been killed in the violence, over 300 wounded and over 50,000 internally displaced”. It said that despite the “unprecedented civic strife and violence”, both the state and central government have “not taken adequate measures” to tackle the situation or address the grievances of the communities.
“No pressure is being built on the government by the media to act and hold the state authorities accountable. In what people in the Northeast refer to as mainland India, the daily media coverage by national media outlets has rapidly receded,” the statement said.
“It is inconceivable that any of this could happen in India’s heartland or Southern states without reporters rushing there in droves or, the developments being lead coverage. There is little reporting of Manipur by mainstream TV channels… Media from across the country must report, and media houses must demand security for their reporters.”
The conflict in the northeastern state has refused to subside.
Newslaundry earlier reported on how a group of 81 Myanmar refugees, who crossed over to Manipur in hope for safety, are now trapped in the ethnic violence between the Kukis and Meiteis. In this report and interview a 20-year-old Manipur violence survivor recalled her escape, and how she could no longer call Imphal her home. Another report detailed the perception war in the local media in Manipur, with a majority of media outlets in Manipur being Meitei-owned. This report delved into the triggers behind the Manipur violence, the ST list clamour and migration anxieties.
The continued ethnic clashes in the state have raised many crucial questions. What is keeping the state simmering? Why is the government unable to stop the violence? And what lies ahead for the people of the state? Contribute to the new NL Sena project to help us tell these stories.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.
