Role of mediain enhancing multiculturalism in ethnic diversity of Manipur

Home to more than 33 ethnic communities speaking 29 different dialects, Manipur, one of the seven-sister states in northeast India, is a cultural mosaic and a mini India. Despite beingrich inethnic plurality, Manipur has been grappling with ever increasing ethnic conflicts andinsurgency in quest for ethnic and regional identities since the last few decades thereby fomenting a climate of insecurity and mistrust at the cost peace and progress of the state. Besides, the issue of Manipur's territorial integrity, and demand for Greater Nagaland are causing uneasiness on the relationship between the Meiteis and the Nagas while the demand for Kuki homeland is compounding the complex political issue despite the fact that thestate's ethnicplurality is inescapable. This is where the paradigm of multiculturalism becomes significantand desirable for all the groups in the state. Since mass media play a crucial role in a culturally diverse society the increasing multiculturalism in Manipur poses a great challenge for journalism. This paper seeks to outline the backdrop in which journalismparadigmcaninitiate dialogues and assist multiculturalism in addressing ethnic conflict thereby helping the preservation of the multicultural heritage of Manipur.