International Journal of Research in Social Sciences Vol. 7 Issue 5, May 2017, ISSN: 2249-2496 Impact Factor: 7.081 Journal Homepage: http://www.ijmra.us , Email: editorijmie@gmail.com Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gage as well as in Cabell‟s Directories of Publishing Opportunities, U.S.A 613 International Journal of Research in Social Sciences http://www.ijmra.us , Email: editorijmie@gmail.com Portrayal of Northeast India in Mainstream Media: A Case of Underrepresentation and Misinterpretation Haoginlen Chongloi  Abstract Freedom of speech and expression has been an important ingredient in our democratic life. Its power in shaping the minds of the public has been recognized prior to the existence of the institution of democracy. Till today the role of media, to generalize, is becoming more important than ever. However, in the light of such development, the media is neither free from criticism. Its recognized character of being a „double-edge weapon‟ cannot be totally overlooked. The present paper seeks to understand the coverage of northeast India, by mainstream papers- The Hindu, the Times of India, Hindustan Times and the Indian Express- which greatly helped in shaping attitudes toward this particular region of the country by newsreaders. It throws light into the meager attention given to the region by mainstream media. Further, also deals with how these regions are presented in the media which pose serious consequences toward the northeast region and its people by mainstream media consumers.  PhD Candidate, Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University, Imphal