Imphal | June 24, 2025
In what is now being condemned as an act of gross journalistic misconduct, India Today NE and its contributor Naorem Mohen have come under fire for publishing a report that media observers say violates fundamental ethical standards.
On June 23 article, a little-known group called “Hmar Tlangval” is reported to have endorsed the Meitei Alliance and Thadou Inpi Manipur’s call to delist “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) from the Scheduled Tribes list. However, it is now learnt that the news story was politically motivated—a false flag operation designed to project fake tribal consensus and stir communal division.
The news item was edited and reported by Naorem Mohen, a controversial figure with close ties to the BJP’s digital ecosystem and Meitei nationalist organizations. It may be noted that, Mohen is no stranger to using media platforms to advance inflammatory narratives, and his contributions to India Today NE are frequently criticized for lacking credible sourcing and objectivity.
This latest report marks a new low, with no verifiable press note from “Hmar Tlangval” included or linked in the article, nor made available to the public—raising deep suspicion about the existence of both the group and its alleged statement.
When contacted about the veracity and the existence of such organizations, prominent Hmar leaders, including the Hmar Inpui and Hmar Students’ Association, have rejected the report outright, denouncing “Hmar Tlangval” as a non-existent entity.
On further enquiry, Naorem Mohen, founder of Legend Studio and a known political propagandist, has built a media ecosystem notorious for pushing disinformation disguised as journalism.
A Kuki social activist allege that he routinely floats ghost organizations and fake community statements to divide tribal unity, discredit the Kuki cause, and peddle Meitei chauvinist talking points. This incident is being widely viewed as a deliberate attempt to influence public opinion during a sensitive phase of ethnic conflict in Manipur.
On being contacted if any legal action will be sought, a Kuki leader from Kangpokpi responded negative. However, he bemoaned how such a media house allow journalist such as Naorem Mohen to report without accountability.
