Why is ‘Manipur’ a Problem in Manipur? Media Demands Answers, Boycott started
Imphal, May 20: The much-anticipated Shirui Festival, a state festival organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, began today in Ukhrul. However, a major controversy erupted after a team of journalists en route to cover the event was allegedly harassed by security personnel.
The media team, organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), left Imphal this morning in a Manipur State Transport bus. However, upon reaching Gwaltabi near Yaingangpokpi, Central security forces reportedly stopped the bus and ordered the journalists to cover the word “Manipur” written on the bus and conceal the vehicle’s number plate, which contained the state code “MN”.
Following this directive, the journalists, expressing outrage, returned to Imphal and gathered in protest. Braving heavy rainfall, they marched from the Manipur Press Club to Raj Bhavan, condemning what they described as harassment and an attempt to suppress press freedom. Though the police attempted to stop the march, the protestors proceeded undeterred.
The journalists shouted slogans including “We want justice,” “We condemn harassment of media,” and “Stop silencing the press.”
Representatives of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) sought to meet the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Bhalla, but he was unavailable. A memorandum was submitted in his absence.
Speaking to the press afterward, a joint statement from AMWJU and EGM condemned the incident:
“The media team was invited by DIPR to cover the Shirui Festival. At Gwaltabi, the team was stopped by the Maha Regiment and forced to return to Imphal because the bus bore the name ‘Manipur State Transport’. Such an incident is unprecedented in the history of Manipur and Indian press freedom. We strongly condemn this action. Henceforth, we will boycott all government programmes.”
The joint statement further demanded an investigation into the incident and appropriate action against the responsible officials. AMWJU and EGM announced that a General Body Meeting (GBM) would be held tomorrow to formalize their next course of action, including the launch of a pen-down strike.
“If the government fails to take action, we will continue the pen-down strike indefinitely,” the statement said, urging all journalists to attend the GBM.
The incident has raised serious questions, particularly about why the word “Manipur” was deemed problematic at a state-organized festival within the state itself. Despite assurances of tight security from the authorities, the media has called for accountability and justice in the matter.