Manipur Government Addresses Controversial Incident Involving Journalists

Clarification from Manipur Government

On Thursday, Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh clarified that the Manipur government did not instruct the covering of the words “Manipur State Transport” on a state-operated bus during an incident on May 20.

Singh expressed regret over the occurrence and emphasized that the state administration is treating the matter with the highest level of seriousness. He assured that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The chief secretary noted that a comprehensive inquiry would shed light on the events of that day. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has established an inquiry committee, which includes the home department commissioner and the information technology secretary, to deliver findings within a specified timeframe.

On the day in question, a group of 20 journalists in Imphal East was reportedly instructed by central security forces to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” sign on their government bus.

This incident took place at the Gwaltabi checkpoint while the journalists were en route to the Shirui Lily Festival, a cultural event organized by the state tourism department, located in the Naga-majority Ukhrul district. The journey to Ukhrul passes through various Kuki villages.

Initially, the team attempted to comply with the directive, but negotiations with security personnel led to delays, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of their trip and a return to Imphal.

A video showing the covering of the “Manipur State Transport” sign gained significant traction on social media.

On May 27, the student wing of the Meitei civil society group, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, protested the incident by locking the offices of the chief electoral officer and the Geological Survey of India in Imphal West.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 59,000 individuals. Violence has continued sporadically into 2024.

In February, President’s Rule was enacted following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, with Bhalla overseeing the administration of Manipur since then.