FATYCM demands separate radio station for Manipur tribal areas
Source: Hueiyen News Service / K Kopham Kanshouwa
Imphal, August 27 2015:
Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs, Manipur (FATYCM) on Thursday forwarded a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India demanding establishment of a separate All India Radio (AIR), Imphal Station exclusively for the tribals in Manipur.
The memorandum signed by FATYCM President R Asing said that AIR programme slots are given to some hill tribals for short duration ranging from five minutes to 30 minutes.
The simple logic indicates that such a short broadcast airtime cannot serve any meaningful purpose.
"We the tribals of Manipur consider that this act of selfishness as nothing but a deliberate act of exploitation", Asing rued.
He claimed that there are 34 Scheduled Tribes registered in the State but dozens of tribals have been denied AIR programmes and services and "yet outwardly they talk of democratic equality" .
Terming the dominance of valley based programmes as "obvious selfish intention", FATCYM said that most of the remaining broadcast airtimes have been used for commercial and other cultural songs and dramas, small talks and other activities that cater to the majority population.
Asing further alleged that the morning service commentary on newspaper headlines section has been mostly a "one sided view" affair often using condescending remarks and "damaging comments" on the tribals.
He further said the tribals do not have any means to defend, clarify and express their points of views.
Under such circumstances, the tribals seriously needed a separate AIR Station and asserted that "sixty years of silent suffering" imposed on the tribals are more than evident.