Imphal: The Meitei Alliance has issued a strong statement condemning what it calls “biased and selective” media coverage that, according to the group, unfairly portrays the Meitei community as aggressors in the ongoing Manipur crisis.

In a detailed release, the alliance accused several national and international media organizations—including the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Al Jazeera, The Wire, The Print, The Caravan, The Hindu, and the Editors Guild of India of promoting what it termed “a one-sided narrative” that normalizes Kuki militant activities under the guise of “volunteer” defense forces.

The statement emphasized that Meiteis remain committed to preserving Manipur’s pluralistic and multicultural identity. “For centuries, Manipur has been home to multiple ethnic communities that coexisted harmoniously. It is deeply unfortunate that certain outlets have distorted this reality to fit divisive agendas,” the alliance said.

Citing the violence that erupted in May 2023 and claimed over 250 lives, the group accused sections of the media of deepening mistrust instead of fostering understanding.

The statement alleged that many reports ignored the role of Kuki armed groups in narco-trafficking, poppy cultivation, and illegal immigration. “Such selective reporting undermines both social harmony and India’s sovereignty in the Northeast,” the alliance claimed.

Referring to a recent Al Jazeera documentary, the Meitei Alliance said the coverage appeared “sympathetic” to armed Kuki groups while avoiding hard questions about their defiance of Indian law.

The alliance said the documentary misrepresented the origins of the conflict by linking it to a Manipur High Court order on Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis, while overlooking the “initial attacks and arson in Meitei villages” at Torbung.

The alliance also criticized PUCL and other human rights organizations for allegedly “fueling separatist agendas” and ignoring evidence of drug-related crimes involving Kuki-Zo militants. “Their calls for separate administration echo xenophobic worldviews that threaten Manipur’s multicultural ethos,” it added.

Calling for “ethical and responsible journalism,” the Meitei Alliance urged Indian citizens, policymakers, and the international community to look beyond “selective narratives” and recognize two main threats to Manipur’s peace—xenophobic militancy disguised as tribal victimhood, and biased media coverage that distorts democratic discourse.

Reaffirming its commitment to a “pluralistic and democratic Manipur,” the alliance appealed for collective efforts to restore peace and uphold constitutional integrity in the border state.

Founded in November 2023, the Meitei Alliance represents diaspora organizations from across India and abroad, including associations in Pune, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Assam, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Sikkim, Tripura, as well as Meitei communities in Australia, the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA, and Nicaragua.