The public broadcaster has sought inputs for resuming live radio programming in the Thadou language from Akashvani Imphal, marking a notable development in Manipur’s post-conflict reconciliation efforts. The move comes after live broadcasts in Thadou and other dialects were disrupted following the ethnic violence that began in May 2023 in the state.
Broadcast Revival Plan
Prasar Bharati has asked the programme head of All India Radio in Imphal to assess staffing needs for restarting live Thadou-language output. The request follows a representation from Thadou Inpi Manipur, which urged either the return of earlier staff or fresh recruitment from relevant communities. The broadcaster has indicated that a proposal for fresh auditions in major Manipur dialects, including Thadou, has been sent for further action.
Current Radio Programming
At present, Thadou content is being aired in a limited form, with recorded songs and a daily slot from 5 pm to 5.30 pm. The broader aim is to restore live programming, which had stopped after Thadou-language staff left Imphal valley during the outbreak of hostilities. The initiative is being viewed as part of efforts to rebuild trust and normalise public communication in the state.
Identity and Peacebuilding Context
The Thadou community has linked the broadcast revival to cultural preservation and peacebuilding. Its representative body has stressed that Thadou is a distinct language and identity, separate from Kuki, and has brought into light the need to correct misidentification that has caused tension. The community has also referred to the killing of its peace leader Nehkham Jomhao as a reminder of the risks faced by those working for reconciliation.
Thadou Convention and Identity Assertion
The issue gained added significance after the Thadou Convention in Guwahati in November 2024 adopted a 10-point declaration asserting the tribe’s separate ethnic identity, language, traditions, and history. The declaration described Thadou as one of Manipur’s original indigenous tribes and emphasised its distinct status in official and historical records.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026