Off AIR in Imphal: Programmes in local dialects

In the last few days, for the first time, the news programmes in half of the regular languages on All India Radio Imphal have been missing.

For seven days a week, programmes — around 30 minutes long each — are normally held in Manipuri and seven dialects: Thadou, Tangkhul, Mao, Kabui, Hmar, Paite, Poumai. In these programmes, between 5-10 minutes everyday are dedicated to a news telecast in each of these languages and dialects.

But since violent clashes broke out in the state on May 3, news programmes in four of these dialects — Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Poumai — have been missing.