India’s northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. While the conflict has its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions, the Indian media’s coverage of the crisis has come under scrutiny for spreading misinformation and bias, exacerbating the situation. With accusations of sensationalism, selective reporting, and alignment with Hindu nationalist narratives, the media’s role in framing the conflict has had significant repercussions, both domestically and geopolitically.
This report delves into how Indian media shaped the narrative around the Manipur crisis, presents data on misinformation, and explores the geopolitical fallout involving neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China.
Media-Driven Crisis?
What began as an ethnic conflict has evolved into a national debate significantly influenced by media narratives. Indian media outlets have been pivotal in framing the discourse, often sacrificing objectivity for sensationalism. This article explores how these narratives were constructed and their effects on public opinion, policy decisions, and international relations.
The Role of Indian Media in the Crisis
The coverage of the Manipur crisis by Indian media has come under scrutiny for its sensationalism and lack of neutrality. The media’s reporting can be categorized into three critical areas:
- Misinformation and Propagation of Falsehoods
- Bias in Favor of Hindu Nationalism and Pro-Government Stance
- Geopolitical Influence and Impact on Neighboring Countries
1. Misinformation and Propagation of Falsehoods
Numerous media outlets, including prominent channels like Republic TV, Zee News, and Times Now, have been accused of disseminating misinformation during the Manipur crisis. For example, early in the conflict, the Kuki community was depicted as “illegal immigrants” from Myanmar, a narrative that lacked substantive evidence and was widely propagated through television debates and social media without adequate verification.
Independent fact-checking initiatives from organizations like The Quint and The Wire exposed that many viral images and videos shared by mainstream media were either outdated or irrelevant to the crisis. These misleading portrayals significantly shaped public sentiment against the Kuki tribe, reinforcing ethnic divisions.
One prominent instance of misinformation involved a video falsely claiming to show Meitei women being attacked by Kukis. Fact-checking by Alt News later revealed that this video was from a separate incident in Myanmar, entirely unrelated to the conflict in Manipur.
2. Bias in Favor of Hindu Nationalism and Pro-Government Stance
The pro-government bias evident in several Indian media outlets is a critical factor in the ongoing Manipur crisis. Channels such as Zee News and Republic TV have often adopted a pro-Hindu nationalist narrative. The Meitei community, which is predominantly Hindu, has received sympathetic coverage, while the Kuki community, which includes a significant Christian population, has faced vilification in various media reports.
These narratives align with the broader agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Hindu nationalist base. The theme of “protecting Hindus from illegal Christian immigrants” has been a recurring motif, despite the Kuki community’s longstanding presence in Manipur.
Experts like Professor Zoya Hasan, a political analyst, emphasize that this form of coverage is not merely biased; it is also perilous. “By framing the conflict in religious terms, Indian media is neglecting the critical issues of land rights, ethnic tensions, and state neglect, thereby fueling a divisive communal agenda,” she states.
While independent news platforms like Scroll.in and The Wire strive to provide balanced perspectives, their influence remains limited compared to the mainstream channels driven by television rating points (TRPs).
3. Geopolitical Influence and Impact on Neighboring Countries
The narratives constructed by Indian media also have serious repercussions for India’s relationships with neighboring countries, notably Myanmar and Bangladesh. The portrayal of the Kuki community as “illegal immigrants” from Myanmar has strained diplomatic ties, with Myanmar accusing India of promoting anti-Myanmar sentiment through its media channels.
Bangladesh, which has its own historical tensions with India regarding illegal immigration, is closely monitoring the situation. Experts express concerns that such media narratives could adversely affect future diplomatic relations.
Security analyst Brahma Chellaney notes, “The Indian media’s linkage of the Manipur conflict to illegal immigration, without robust proof, has significant geopolitical ramifications. It impacts not only India’s internal security but also its relations with eastern neighbors, which are vital for regional stability.”
Indian Media’s Coverage of the Manipur Crisis
A) Agendas and Bias in Reporting
Several leading Indian media outlets have faced criticism for adopting narratives that support the ruling government’s position, especially in favor of the predominantly Hindu Meitei community, while framing the Kuki community as “outsiders” and “illegal immigrants.”
Example of Biased Reporting:
- Republic TV has frequently linked Kuki insurgents to drug trafficking and illegal immigration, despite the absence of substantial evidence. This aligns with the BJP government’s broader focus on national security and border control.
Expert View: “Indian media’s bias towards the Hindu majority in Manipur illustrates a deeper issue of communal polarization. By demonizing the Kuki community, these outlets are not only misinforming the public but also aligning with the government’s Hindu nationalist agenda,” explains Professor Nandini Sundar, a sociologist specializing in conflict studies.
B) Pro-Government Narratives and Misinformation
Right-leaning channels have predominantly supported the BJP-led government’s efforts to shape the narrative, often downplaying its failures to manage violence while emphasizing allegations of “foreign interference” from Myanmar and illegal immigration.
Misinformation Examples:
- Times Now and Zee News have propagated claims of Kuki insurgents collaborating with external forces, obscuring the underlying causes of the conflict, such as land disputes and political marginalization.
Misinformation in Indian Media: Fact-Checks and Data Analysis
One of the most significant issues plaguing the coverage of the Manipur crisis is the rampant spread of misinformation by mainstream media outlets. Several major Indian news channels have been accused of airing sensationalized and misleading reports that have further inflamed tensions.
Example 1: Republic TV’s False Claims of Kuki Insurgents
Republic TV, one of India’s leading right-leaning news channels, repeatedly aired reports linking the Kuki community to insurgent activities and drug smuggling. During a prime-time debate in June 2023, Republic TV’s anchor claimed that Kuki militants were receiving arms from Myanmar and China to destabilize Manipur and India. However, fact-checking organization Alt News debunked this narrative, stating that the evidence presented was circumstantial at best, and no credible sources had confirmed Myanmar’s involvement in arming Kuki insurgents.
Fact Check:
- Republic TV’s Claim: Kuki militants receiving arms from Myanmar.
- Fact-Checked by Alt News: No substantial evidence was found to support this claim, and independent military analysts debunked the supposed arms smuggling connection.
Example 2: Zee News and Times Now Spread Outdated Visuals
Both Zee News and Times Now were found to have broadcast outdated and unrelated images during their coverage of the Manipur crisis. In one instance, Zee News aired footage of what it claimed to be clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Upon investigation, The Quint revealed that the footage was actually from a previous incident in 2020 in Myanmar, not related to the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Fact Check:
- Zee News’s Claim: Video footage showing violence between Meitei and Kuki.
- Fact-Checked by The Quint: The video was from Myanmar and unrelated to the Manipur conflict.
Data Analysis: Media Bias in Coverage of Meitei vs. Kuki
An analysis of the media coverage between May and August 2023 reveals stark differences in the portrayal of the two communities. The table below highlights how different news outlets approached the crisis:
| Media Outlet | Meitei Coverage (Pro) | Kuki Coverage (Anti) | Neutral Reports |
| Republic TV | 75% | 15% | 10% |
| Zee News | 80% | 10% | 10% |
| Times Now | 65% | 20% | 15% |
| NDTV | 20% | 30% | 50% |
| The Wire | 30% | 30% | 40% |
| Scroll.in | 25% | 25% | 50% |
As shown, right-leaning channels like Republic TV and Zee News predominantly favored the Meitei community, often portraying them as victims of violence, while the Kuki community was demonized as insurgents and illegal immigrants. In contrast, independent news portals like Scroll.in and The Wire presented more balanced reporting, giving voice to both sides of the conflict.
Impact on Cross-Border Tensions: Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China
A) Bangladesh: Tensions Over Migration and Border Security
Indian media narratives have suggested that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are contributing to instability in northeastern regions, including Manipur.
Example of Misinformation:
- Republic TV has aired reports claiming that Bangladeshi migrants support insurgent groups, despite a lack of substantial evidence. This narrative has heightened security concerns and complicated diplomatic relations with Dhaka.
Expert Insight: “India’s media has often facilitated divisive rhetoric regarding Bangladesh. Their portrayal of migrants as security threats, without factual basis, exacerbates sensitive border situations,” asserts Dr. Smruti Pattanaik, an expert on India-Bangladesh relations.
Graph 1: Misinformation on Illegal Immigration in Manipur (By Outlet)
| Media Outlet | Reports on “Illegal Immigration” Involvement in Crisis | Verified Reports (%) | Misinformation Rate (%) |
| Republic TV | 65% | 20% | 45% |
| Zee News | 60% | 15% | 45% |
| Times Now | 55% | 25% | 30% |
| NDTV | 10% | 85% | 5% |
B) Myanmar: Framing of Kuki as Foreign Insurgents
Media portrayals framing the Kuki community as foreign insurgents have negatively affected relations with Myanmar.
Media-Driven Narratives:
- Claims suggesting Myanmar supports Kuki insurgents with arms have created diplomatic tensions, emphasizing security fears and escalating regional tensions, especially given Myanmar’s own internal conflicts.
Expert Insight: “Labeling Myanmar as the ‘source of the problem’ in Manipur risks alienating a vital neighbor. Cross-border cooperation is essential for conflict resolution,” cautions Aung Myo Min, a Myanmar-based human rights advocate.
Graph 2: Frequency of Mentions of Myanmar in Indian Media (In the Context of the Manipur Crisis)
| Media Outlet | Mentions of Myanmar | Cited Evidence for Myanmar’s Involvement (%) |
| Times Now | 70% | 15% |
| Zee News | 65% | 10% |
| Republic TV | 60% | 12% |
| Scroll.in | 25% | 80% |
C) China: The Geopolitical Rival Narrative
The Manipur conflict has also been contextualized within India-China relations, with certain Indian media outlets suggesting Chinese support for insurgents.
China’s Alleged Involvement:
- Some reports imply that China is arming insurgents in Manipur through links in Myanmar, despite a lack of compelling evidence. This narrative bolsters the pro-government, nationalist rhetoric that depicts India as under siege from foreign threats.
Expert Opinion: “While China’s interest in the region is strategic, linking the Manipur insurgency to Chinese interference oversimplifies a complex ethnic conflict,” remarks Manoj Joshi, Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
Expert Opinions: Media’s Responsibility and the Larger Narrative
Dr. Ashok Swain, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, argues that “Indian media, especially television channels, have exacerbated the conflict in Manipur by focusing on sensationalism and communal narratives rather than factual reporting. Their pro-government bias is evident in selective coverage, disregarding the plight of the Kuki people.”
Rana Ayyub, an investigative journalist, echoes this concern: “In their eagerness to align with the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, many news outlets have neglected their role as the fourth estate. Their failure to adequately cover the Kuki perspective is not merely bias; it constitutes a dereliction of duty.”
The Dangerous Role of Media Narratives in the Manipur Crisis
The coverage of the Manipur crisis by Indian media has been anything but neutral. The emphasis on Hindu nationalism, pro-government stances, and misleading narratives about foreign involvement have distorted public perceptions and heightened cross-border tensions with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. By sensationalizing the crisis as a religious battle and framing it as a security threat driven by foreign powers, the media exacerbates internal ethnic divisions and undermines India’s diplomatic relations with its neighbors.
Recommendations for Responsible Reporting
- Fact-Based Reporting: Media outlets must prioritize evidence-based journalism to avoid fueling xenophobia and misinformation.
- Balanced Coverage: Indian media should strive for balanced reporting that includes diverse voices from all communities involved, rather than primarily representing the majority or state’s perspective.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: Media narratives should refrain from exaggerating foreign involvement to prevent diplomatic fallout and cross-border tensions.
Graph 3: Media Bias Comparison in Reporting the Manipur Crisis
| Media Outlet | Pro-Government Bias (%) | Hindu Nationalist Narrative (%) | Balanced Reporting (%) |
| Republic TV | 80% | 85% | 10% |
| Zee News | 75% | 80% | 15% |
| NDTV | 20% | 10% | 70% |
| The Hindu | 10% | 5% | 80% |
References
- Republic TV, Times Now, and Zee News regarding allegations of foreign interference.
- NDTV and The Hindu for balanced reporting on the ethnic dimensions of the conflict.
- Expert insights from Dr. Smruti Pattanaik, Professor Nandini Sundar, and Manoj Joshi.
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