Guwahati, July 11 -- Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly criticised Republic TV over a report that allegedly described the Khulmi Bridge in Manipur as a route for drug trafficking, calling the broadcast "false", "defamatory" and damaging to the image of the Kuki-Zo community.

In an open letter addressed to Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, journalist Linthoi Khoirom and the channel's editorial board, Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that the report misrepresented the purpose of the bridge and unfairly portrayed residents of Chandel, Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts.

KIM said the Khulmi Bridge was constructed through community efforts after years of inadequate infrastructure and government neglect. According to the organisation,...