Lamka: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has strongly condemned what it termed as “highly irresponsible and biased reporting” by media outlet Northeast Live over its coverage of the killing of Mr. Chunjanglung Panmei.
In a press statement issued from its secretariat today, KIM expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of Panmei and extended sympathy to the bereaved family, stating that no family should have to endure such a loss.
However, the organisation took strong exception to a news flash aired by Northeast Live which allegedly linked “Kuki militants” to the killing without what KIM described as any evidence, proof or verification.
KIM stated that the incident occurred in Pongringlong, an area where, according to the organisation, there is “no Kuki settlement and absolutely no Kuki presence.” It argued that implicating an entire community without substantiation amounted to dangerous ethnic labelling and hate-mongering that could further aggravate tensions in Manipur.
“Northeast Live has made this a repeated habit: name-calling and community shaming without facts. Such reckless reporting is unacceptable and damages the credibility of the media as a whole,” the statement said.
The organisation urged authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the killing, while also calling for all crimes committed in Manipur since 2023 to be thoroughly probed and justice delivered to every victim irrespective of ethnicity or community.
KIM further warned that selective justice and selective journalism would only deepen the wounds in the conflict-hit state.
“Manipur needs truth and accountability, not propaganda,” the statement added.
KIM also reminded media houses and the public that all official communications of the organisation are released only through its verified social media platforms and official Facebook page.
