Demand Clarification regarding Discriminatory News Coverage on AIR Imphal
- 17th May, 2025 :: United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur -

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To,
The Station Director All India Radio, AIR Palace Compound, Imphal, Manipur - 795001
Subject: Strong Objection & Demand for Clarification Regarding Discriminatory Sports News Coverage on AIR Imphal - Reg.

Respected Sir/Madam,

With due respect, United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, an amalgamation of all Meitei-Pangal (Muslim) CSOs in the state, expresses its strongest objection and deep disappointment over the discriminatory reporting made during the Evening News Broadcast on All India Radio, Imphal on the evening of 16th May 2025, in connection with the 7th SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 held at Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

To our utter shock, the Sports News Reader, Mr. Ngangbam Amukhomba, intentionally excluded the names of two Meitei-Pangal players - Singamayum Shami (Captain) and Md Arbash (Full Time Player) - from the announcement, while highlighting only the Meitei (Hindu) players from the same team. This clear and deliberate omission is not only factually incorrect but also highly discriminatory, and deeply hurts the sentiments of the entire Meitei-Pangal community in Manipur.

The fact that our boys are proudly representing the state and the country at an international-level tournament is a moment of pride for all Manipuris, regardless of community or background. It is extremely unfortunate and condemnable that a reputed national public service broadcaster like All India Radio has once again failed to maintain journalistic neutrality and fairness.

We would like to bring to your kind notice that this is not the first time such biased reporting has occurred. The continuous sidelining of Meitei-Pangal athletes, despite their consistent contribution to sports in the state, reeks of systemic neglect and is no longer acceptable.

We, therefore, demand the following:

1. Immediate clarification and public apology from the concerned authorities at All India Radio, Imphal, on the said omission.

2. A corrected and inclusive report highlighting the actual list of Manipuri players representing in the 7th SAFF U19 Championship 2025, including Captain Singamayum Shami and Md Arbash, to be broadcasted on both radio and social media handles of AIR Imphal.

3. Institution of a mechanism to ensure inclusive, community-sensitive, and factual representation of all communities in your future reporting, especially in matters of public pride such as sports. Should your office fail to respond to this letter within 7 days, we will be compelled to consider this omission as deliberate and discriminatory, and will initiate democratic and legal steps, in collaboration with other community stakeholders, to seek redressal and justice.

We expect your prompt and responsible action in this regard.

Raees Ahamed Tampak
General Secretary | UMPC Manipur