UMPC Slams AIR Imphal Over “Discriminatory” Reporting of U-19 Championship, Demands Apology

Imphal, May 17, 2025: The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur has strongly condemned All India Radio (AIR) Imphal for what it termed “deliberate and discriminatory” exclusion of Meitei-Pangal athletes from a recent sports news broadcast. The broadcast, aired on May 16 during the evening news, covered the 7th SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 but failed to mention the names of two Muslim players Captain Singamayyum Shami and Md Arbash—who are representing Manipur and India in the international tournament being held at Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

In an official letter addressed to the Station Director of AIR Imphal, UMPC accused sports news reader Mr. Ngangbam Amukhomba of intentionally excluding the two Meitei-Pangal players while highlighting only the Meitei players. “This clear and deliberate omission is not only factually incorrect but also highly discriminatory, and deeply hurts the sentiments of the entire Meitei-Pangal community in Manipur,” the letter stated.

UMPC General Secretary Raees Ahamed Tampak criticized AIR for failing to maintain journalistic neutrality. “The continuous sidelining of Meitei-Pangal athletes, despite their consistent contribution to sports in the state, reeks of systemic neglect and is no longer acceptable,” he wrote.

The committee has issued three specific demands:

• 1. Immediate public apology and clarification from AIR Imphal authorities.
• 2. A corrected and inclusive report including the names of Singamayyum Shami and Md Arbash to be broadcast on both radio and social media.
• 3. Creation of a mechanism to ensure inclusive and community-sensitive representation in future broadcasts.

UMPC has warned that failure to respond withinseven days will be viewed as a “deliberate and discriminatory” act. It vowed to initiate legal and democratic steps in collaboration with other community stakeholders if corrective action is not taken.

“The fact that our boys are proudly representing the state and the country at an international-level tournament is a moment of pride for all Manipuris, regardless of community or background,” UMPC stated, emphasizing the need for fairness in public broadcasting.