Manipur: Probe ordered after journalists allegedly told to hide ‘state transport’ sign
The Manipur governor on Wednesday ordered an inquiry after security personnel allegedly stopped a group of 20 journalists in Imphal East district a day ago and directed them to hide the “Manipur State Transport” sign on the government bus they were travelling in.
The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East while the group was travelling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival, a cultural event organised by the state tourism department, in the Naga-majority Ukhrul district. The route to the district passes through several Kuki villages.
The team initially tried to comply with the direction. However, delays due to negotiations with the security forces forced them to cancel the trip and return to Imphal, The New Indian Express reported.
A video of the “Manipur State Transport” sign being covered was circulated widely on social media.
Manipur has been mired in ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities that have killed at least 260 persons and displaced more than 59,000 persons since May 2023. There were periodic upticks in violence in 2024.
President’s Rule was imposed in February this year after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
Journalists and civil society groups condemned the security personnel after Tuesday’s incident.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, a Meitei civil society group based in the Imphal Valley, said that the actions of...
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