Newmai News Network Announces Closure After More Than Two Decades of Service

Newmai News Network (NNN), a prominent news service that has reported extensively from Manipur and the wider Northeast for more than two decades, has announced its decision to cease operations.

In an official announcement, NNN said it was winding up its office with a sense of fulfilment rather than regret, describing the decision as an acknowledgement of the changing nature of journalism and the media landscape.

Newmai News Network was founded more than 20 years ago by its editor, Witoubou Newmai, who began his career as a reporter with various newspapers. At the time, there was a significant shortage of news and information from the hill areas of Manipur.

Sensing the need for greater coverage of the region, Newmai launched NNN with the aim of bringing the voices, events and stories of the hill areas to a wider audience.

The organisation's early years were marked by severe resource constraints. With smartphones, social media and digital newsrooms yet to emerge, NNN also lacked basic equipment and funding. The organisation recalled that it did not initially have even a typewriter or computer, forcing its team to handwrite news reports and manually prepare carbon copies for distribution to newspapers.

Despite these challenges, determination and a clear sense of purpose helped NNN establish itself as a reliable news source.

Over the years, its reports reached newspapers across Manipur and subsequently media organisations in other parts of Northeast India. The news network gradually earned the trust of editors, newspapers, journalists and readers.

NNN said it took pride in having played a role, however modest, in bringing the voices and stories of people from the hills to a wider audience at a time when such information was difficult to access.

However, the organisation noted that the media environment has changed dramatically with the arrival of the internet, social media and digital journalism. News that once took hours or days to reach newspapers can now be accessed and shared globally within seconds.

The growth of digital news portals, social media platforms and a large number of journalists and independent storytellers has also transformed the way people access and disseminate information.

According to NNN, the original purpose behind its establishment has now been fulfilled to a considerable extent, as people have greater opportunities to tell their own stories, share information and reach audiences directly.

“Newmai News Network believes that it is hence time to acknowledge that change, and gracefully make way for a new generation of journalism and storytellers,” the organisation said.

NNN clarified that its closure was being made with gratitude rather than regret, acknowledging the privilege of serving readers and the people of the Northeast for more than two decades.

The organisation expressed its appreciation to readers, media houses, editors, fellow journalists, well-wishers and the people of the Northeast for their support, trust and readership over the years.

Although NNN will no longer function as a news organisation, it said the memories of its journey, the people it encountered, the stories it carried and the purpose with which it began would remain a cherished part of its legacy.