Prasar Bharati Plans to Restart Thadou Radio Broadcasts in Manipur

India’s public broadcaster has taken an important step toward cultural inclusion in Manipur. Prasar Bharati has begun efforts to resume live radio programmes in the Thadou language from All India Radio Imphal. The decision is seen as a confidence-building measure in a state affected by ethnic violence and highlights the role of public broadcasting in preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.

Why in the News?

Prasar Bharati has moved to restore live Thadou language broadcasts from All India Radio Imphal after such programmes were halted during Manipur’s ethnic violence in 2023. The step follows requests from Thadou community organisations.

Steps Taken to Resume Broadcasts

• The broadcaster has begun administrative and staffing preparations.
• Prasar Bharati has sought inputs from the programme head of AIR Imphal.
• The focus is on recruiting staff for live Thadou and other dialect broadcasts.
• Options include recalling earlier Thadou staff or fresh recruitment.
• The move follows a formal request by Thadou Inpi Manipur.
• Efforts aim to ensure representation of all concerned communities.

Impact of the 2023 Ethnic Violence

• Ethnic clashes disrupted regular regional broadcasting.
• Live Thadou programmes stopped after staff left Imphal Valley in May 2023.
• The violence involved tensions between Meitei and Kuki groups in Manipur.
• Since then, only recorded Thadou songs have been aired.
• Recorded Thadou content is currently broadcast daily from 5:00–5:30 pm.
• The absence of live shows reduced community representation on air.

Language, Identity and Peacebuilding

• Broadcasting is closely linked to cultural identity.
• Thadou Inpi Manipur stressed the importance of live broadcasts.
• Live programmes help preserve language, culture and social identity.
• Concerns over misidentifying Thadou as Kuki were addressed in peace meetings.
• Community leaders assured mutual respect and coexistence.
• These assurances may encourage staff to return safely.

Wider Context and Community Assertion

• Recent events have strengthened identity claims.
• The move follows the killing of Thadou leader Nehkam Jomhao in August 2024.
• Thadou leaders adopted a declaration at a convention in Guwahati in November 2024.
• The declaration reaffirmed Thadou as an independent indigenous tribe.
• Thadou is officially recognised under the 1956 Presidential Order.
• The broadcast revival aligns with these assertions of identity.

About Prasar Bharati and Regional Language Broadcasting

• Prasar Bharati is India’s autonomous public service broadcaster.
• Akashvani (All India Radio) is its radio arm.
• It broadcasts in multiple regional and tribal languages.
• Regional language programmes support inclusion and cultural preservation.
• Such broadcasts play a role in social harmony and nation-building.

Thadou Tribe -Key Points

Location

• Indigenous tribe living in the hill areas surrounding the Imphal Valley, Manipur
• Also found in smaller numbers in Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Delhi

Population

• 190,595 in Manipur (Census 2011)
• Second-largest tribe in Manipur, after the Meiteis

Language

• Speak Thadou and Chin
• Belong to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family

Cultural Affiliation

• Share common culture with the Chin–Kuki–Mizo community

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Thadou language radio broadcasts are proposed to be restored from which service?

A. Doordarshan
B. All India Radio Imphal
C. Private FM Radio
D. Community Web Radio