Prasar Bharati Moves to Restore Thadou Language Broadcast in Manipur

Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has initiated steps to resume live radio programming in the Thadou language from All India Radio, also known as Akashvani, in Imphal. The move is being seen as a significant confidence-building measure in Manipur, where ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki groups erupted in May 2023.

Steps Toward Resuming Live Broadcasts

Prasar Bharati has sought inputs from the programme head of “All India Radio” Imphal on recruiting staff for restarting live broadcasts in Thadou and other major dialects of Manipur. The broadcaster’s letter dated December 12 followed a formal request from Thadou Inpi Manipur, the representative body of the Thadou tribe, which urged either the return of earlier Thadou language staff or fresh recruitment from all concerned communities.

Impact of the 2023 Ethnic Violence

Live Thadou language programmes from Akashvani Imphal had stopped after Thadou staff left the Imphal valley during the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023. Since then, only recorded Thadou songs have been aired. Prasar Bharati clarified that recorded programmes in major dialects, including Thadou, are currently broadcast daily, with Thadou content aired between 5 pm and 5.30 pm.

Language, Identity and Peacebuilding

Thadou Inpi Manipur highlighted that resuming live broadcasts is vital for preserving the Thadou language, culture, and socio-cultural identity. The body also stressed that earlier concerns over the “misidentification of Thadou as Kuki” had been addressed through recent inter-community peace meetings. It said assurances of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence should encourage staff to return without fear.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Prasar Bharati is India’s public service broadcaster.
• Akashvani is the radio arm of Prasar Bharati.
• Thadou is a distinct Scheduled Tribe of Manipur.
• Live regional language broadcasting supports cultural preservation.

Wider Context and Community Assertion

The initiative also comes after the killing of Thadou community leader Nehkam Jomhao in August 2024 in Assam’s Karbi Anglong, following his participation in peace meetings. Thadou leaders have since reiterated their distinct ethnic identity through a declaration adopted at the Thadou Convention in Guwahati in November 2024. The declaration reaffirmed that Thadou is an independent indigenous tribe of Manipur with its own language, culture and history, officially recognised under the 1956 Presidential Order.