September 14, 2026: Newmai News Network (NNN), the news publishing house that has served the people of Manipur and the Northeast for more than two decades, has announced the closure of its operations, marking the end of a significant chapter in regional journalism.
In an official farewell statement issued on September 14, NNN said its decision to wind up its office was taken with a “sense of fulfilment rather than regret,” acknowledging the profound changes that journalism and news dissemination have undergone over the years.
NNN was founded by its editor, Witoubou Newmai, after he began his career as a reporter with various newspapers and recognised the scarcity of news and information coming from the hill areas. At a time when smartphones, social media platforms and digital newsrooms were non-existent, NNN began its journey under extremely challenging circumstances.
The organisation recalled that, without funds even to afford a typewriter or computer, its news reports were initially handwritten and manually reproduced through carbon copies before being distributed to various newspapers.
Despite its humble beginnings, NNN gradually expanded its reach, with its reports being published by newspapers across Manipur and eventually reaching other parts of Northeast India. Over the years, it earned the confidence and trust of editors, newspapers, journalists and readers.
NNN said it takes pride in having contributed, however modestly, to bringing the voices, events and stories of people, particularly those from the hill areas, to a wider audience at a time when such information was difficult to obtain.
However, the organisation noted that the rapid growth of the internet, social media and digital news platforms has fundamentally transformed journalism. News that once took hours or days to reach newspapers can now be accessed across the globe within seconds, while people have greater opportunities to tell their own stories, share information and reach wider 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 statement said.
NNN expressed its gratitude to readers, media houses, editors, fellow journalists, well-wishers and the people of the Northeast for their support and trust throughout its more than two-decade journey.
Although NNN will no longer function as an active news organisation, it said the memories of its journey, the people it encountered, the stories it carried and the purpose with which it began will remain cherished.
From handwritten news reports and manually produced carbon copies in its early years to the era of instant digital news in 2026, NNN described its journey as an exceptional chapter in the history of regional journalism.
With its formal closure, Newmai News Network has bid farewell to the media fraternity, bringing to an end more than two decades of dedicated service with gratitude, dignity and appreciation.
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