Manipur Journalists Halt Coverage After Security Forces Demand ‘Manipur’ Be Covered on Bus

IMPHAL-  A team of journalists from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in Manipur faced an unsettling incident today while en route to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.

The media team, traveling in a Manipur State Transport bus, was reportedly stopped by security personnel, allegedly from the 4th Maha Regiment, near Yangangpokpi or Gwaltabi. The forces demanded that the team remove or cover the word “Manipur” on their bus as a condition to proceed.

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Finding the directive unacceptable and an affront to their dignity, the journalists chose to protest by abandoning their assignment and returning to Imphal, forgoing coverage of the festival’s opening ceremony, which was attended by the Governor of Manipur as the chief guest. The incident triggered widespread outrage among the media fraternity in the state.

In response, journalists organized a protest rally from the Manipur Press Club to Raj Bhavan in Imphal, demanding accountability and action against the security personnel involved. The rally, which saw significant participation, was halted a few meters from Raj Bhavan, where the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Governor’s office. Reports also indicate that the media community called for a “pen-down strike” to press their demands.

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The exact rationale behind the security forces’ directive remains unclear, raising concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Manipur. The incident has sparked debates about the challenges faced by media personnel in the region, with many calling for a thorough investigation.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by the security forces or the state government regarding the incident. The media fraternity continues to demand clarity and justice, vowing to escalate their protests if their concerns are not addressed.

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Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) issued a statement condemning the incident where security personnel prevented journalists from attending a state event unless they concealed the “Manipur State Transport” label on their vehicle.

COCOMI criticized this as an attempt to suppress press freedom and demanded accountability for the restriction on journalists’ movement. The organization expressed solidarity with the journalists, emphasizing the need for free and fair media access in Manipur.