In a move marking the end of an era for Northeast journalism, Newmai News Network (NNN) has announced it will cease operations after more than two decades of service, citing the “fulfilment of the purpose for which it was established” and the transformed media landscape of the digital age.
“In this changed setting, the intent for which Newmai News Network was conceived has to a considerable degree been fulfilled,” the agency said in its farewell statement released on Monday, 14 September, 2026. “People, it can be perceived, are now far more equipped to tell their own stories, share information and reach the world at large even more directly.”
Born out of necessity in the early 2000s, NNN was the brainchild of editor Witoubou Newmai, who began his career as a reporter with various newspapers at a time when news from the hill areas was scarce. “Sensing the dearth, a concerned urge impelled Witoubou into launching Newmai News Network,” the statement recalled.
The beginnings were far from easy. “To call Newmai News Network’s initiation ‘trouble-free’ would be an understatement,” it said, describing an era without smartphones, social media or digital newsrooms.
“Having had no funds whatsoever to even afford a typewriter, let alone a computer, [we] had [to] handwrite the news, making carbon copies manually for it to be distributed to the various newspapers.”
Yet, “as humble as its beginnings, grit and dogged determination, woven in with a resolved sense of purpose built the foundations on which stood Newmai News Network.”
Over the years, NNN’s reports reached newspapers across Manipur and, “before long, even stretched wider to other Northeastern parts of India.” The agency “gradually but clearly earned the confidence of editors, newspapers, journalists and readers.”
“(They were indeed glorious days!)” the statement said, recalling a time when NNN filled a critical gap.
“Newmai News Network takes pride in having contributed, however a small part in bringing voices, events and stories of the people (particularly) of the hills to a wider audience, more so at a time when there was none obtainable.”
But the media world has changed. “Times have changed as we know it, and with the arrival of the internet so has journalism. With transformed journalism, is now an age of information explosion,” NNN noted.
“Access to news is instant through countless platforms with news outlets as has been created by social media. We are in an age when information that once may have taken days or hours to reach newspapers is accessible across the globe in seconds.”
Alongside this shift, “a plethora of journalists, reporters and digital news portals has grown than one ever could have imagined.”
In light of these changes, NNN said it was time to step aside. “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.”
“It is with a sense of fulfillment rather than regret that Newmai News Network has decided to wind up its office,” the agency said. “This therefore is the official announcement that from the date of this notification, Newmai News Network will no longer be functional.”
Acknowledging the emotional weight of the decision, the statement added: “Closing down something that has been a part of one’s life for more than two decades is definitely not easy, yet every journey has an ending, and Newmai News Network chooses to end this journey with gratitude for having had the privilege to serve.”
In a heartfelt message to its readers and partners, NNN said: “To all readers, media houses, editors, fellow journalists, well-wishers and the people of the NorthEast: Thank you! Thank you for reading our stories. Thank you for subscribing to our news. Thank you for trusting us. Most importantly, thank you for giving Newmai News Network the opportunity to serve the people for twenty years and more.”
Though the agency will no longer function, its legacy will endure. “NNN may cease to exist as a functional entity but the memories of its journey, the people it has encountered, the stories it has carried and the purpose with which it began will remain as much a valued as a cherished part of that journey.”
Reflecting on its remarkable arc, NNN said: “From a few hand-written sheets of news and its manually carboned-copies for distribution in the early millennium to this age of instant digital news in 2026, it has been an incredibly exceptional journey.”
“Though, the thought always belonged to a time perhaps further down its time-line the time to bid adieu has dawned,” it added. “So with a heart filled with esteem to all who shared this journey with us, a heart-filled grateful ‘Thank You’.”
