Kuki Inpi Demands Republic TV Retract Khulmi Bridge Allegations

Kuki Inpi has issued an open letter strongly condemning Republic TV and journalist Linthoi Khoirom over a recent broadcast alleging that the Khulmi Bridge serves as a drug trafficking route. The organisation described the report as malicious, fabricated and defamatory, and demanded an immediate correction and retraction.

According to Kuki Inpi, the allegations have unfairly targeted the Kuki-Zo community while ignoring the humanitarian circumstances that led to the construction of the Khulmi Bridge.

Khulmi Bridge Built to Address Humanitarian Crisis

The organisation stated that the Khulmi Bridge, spanning the Imphal River, was constructed through community contributions after years of government neglect left residents without safe access across the river.

Kuki Inpi said that during the monsoon season, the river had become a life-threatening obstacle, claiming that at least eight people lost their lives while attempting to cross in emergencies. The bridge, it said, was built by Civil Society Organisations in Chandel District in coordination with Kuki-Zo leadership using community funds and voluntary labour to prevent further loss of life.

The organisation argued that portraying the bridge as part of a drug trafficking network ignores the humanitarian purpose behind its construction.

Questions Raised Over Journalistic Verification

The open letter accused Republic TV of failing to conduct basic ground verification before broadcasting the allegations.

According to Kuki Inpi, security forces are stationed approximately 100 metres from the Khulmi Bridge, making claims of an unchecked trafficking route implausible. The organisation further alleged that the news network neither visited the site nor consulted local residents, affected families or official representations previously submitted to the Government.

Criticism of Republic TV and Journalist

Kuki Inpi also criticised Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami and journalist Linthoi Khoirom, alleging that the report relied on sensationalism rather than factual reporting.

The organisation expressed particular disappointment with Khoirom, stating that as a journalist from Manipur she should have been familiar with the geographical challenges, administrative neglect and infrastructure deficits faced by hill communities.

Broadcast Allegedly Fuels Community Tensions

The organisation warned that linking the Khulmi Bridge to organised crime in a conflict-affected region could deepen communal tensions and reinforce negative perceptions against the Kuki-Zo community.

Also Read: A Humanitarian Crisis the Government Is Turning a Blind Eye To

Kuki Inpi said such reporting risks encouraging hostility toward communities that constructed the bridge as a life-saving public infrastructure project.

Calls for Immediate Retraction

In its concluding remarks, Kuki Inpi urged Republic TV to visit the Khulmi Bridge and verify the situation on the ground before making further allegations.

The organisation demanded that the broadcaster immediately correct the record and retract what it described as false and defamatory claims concerning the bridge and the Kuki-Zo people.

The open letter was issued by the Kuki Inpi Media Cell, which also reminded media organisations and the public that authentic press releases and official communications are published only through its official website.