Inquiry Launched After Journalists Stopped in Manipur Amid Rising Tensions
Incident Sparks Outrage
The governor of Manipur initiated an investigation on Wednesday following an incident where security forces allegedly halted a group of 20 journalists in the Imphal East district. The journalists were instructed to conceal the 'Manipur State Transport' label on the government bus they were using.
This event took place at the Gwaltabi checkpoint while the journalists were en route to cover the Shirui Lily Festival, a cultural celebration organized by the state tourism department in the predominantly Naga district of Ukhrul. The journey to Ukhrul traverses several Kuki villages.
Initially, the journalists attempted to comply with the directive. However, prolonged discussions with security personnel led to the cancellation of their trip, forcing them to return to Imphal, as reported by a local news outlet.
A video showing the covering of the 'Manipur State Transport' sign has circulated widely on social media platforms.
Ongoing Ethnic Tensions in Manipur
Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 59,000 individuals since May 2023. The violence has seen periodic escalations into 2024.
In February, President’s Rule was enacted following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Following the incident on Tuesday, journalists and civil society organizations expressed their condemnation of the actions taken by security forces.
Calls for Accountability and Action
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, a civil society group representing the Meitei community, criticized the security personnel's actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Manipur government. They have called for a 48-hour strike demanding an apology from the governor regarding the harassment of journalists and the resignation of key officials.
The group stated, 'This act represents a gross violation of the state’s dignity and sovereign administrative authority,' raising concerns about the operational motives of the Indian Army and other central forces in the region.
They further questioned whether Manipur was under an undeclared military rule, emphasizing the alarming extent to which central forces have overridden civilian governance.
Media Organizations Demand Investigation
In response to the incident, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and the Editors’ Guild Manipur submitted a letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, demanding an investigation and accountability for those involved.
The letter highlighted that the bus was arranged for the journalists by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations. It expressed confusion over the instruction to hide the state government’s name while operating within the state.
Media organizations have also called for a 'pen down strike' on May 21, which would involve journalists suspending normal duties and boycotting news related to the Manipur government.
Government Response and Future Actions
In light of the uproar, the state chief secretary announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The committee is tasked with identifying any lapses and recommending measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, with a report due within 15 days.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Bharatiya Janata Party in charge of the northeast described the incident as an 'avoidable misunderstanding.'
This incident follows a recent report indicating that a first information report had been filed against a Kuki student leader for allegedly threatening Meiteis attending the Shirui Lily Festival.