PPAM submits Memorandum to Governor condemning Army’s action against MST buses, demands safe passage to Ukhrul

The People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM) has submitted a strongly worded memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, the Security Advisor, and the Chief Secretary, condemning the actions of personnel from the 4th Maha Regiment and Border Security Force (BSF) for allegedly forcing the removal of “Manipur” signage from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival.
The incident reportedly took place around 10 a.m. on May 20 at Yaingangpokpi–Gwaltabi checkpoint, where troops halted an official MST bus arranged by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) for accredited journalists covering the festival.
The PPAM stated in the memorandum that the security personnel demanded that the bus hide the words “Manipur State Transport,” leading journalists to temporarily cover the lettering with paper.
Despite complying with the demand, the media team was allegedly not permitted to proceed and was compelled to return to Imphal in privately arranged vehicles. The memorandum also mentioned that a second MST bus transporting other festival attendees was similarly instructed to remove its markings before being allowed to move forward.
Terming the act a direct insult to the dignity and sovereignty of the state, the PPAM warned that such actions not only undermined civilian authority but also threatened freedom of movement and expression. It argued that the military had no jurisdiction to override decisions made by the Governor in Council or other components of the state administration. The use of military power to force the removal of a state’s name from government transport, the memorandum noted, amounted to an abuse of authority and a violation of the democratic framework.
The memorandum further claimed that such actions would deepen ethnic divisions in the already volatile atmosphere of Manipur following the 2023 ethnic conflict. By targeting state vehicles and media personnel, the PPAM stated, the armed forces risked fueling communal polarization and perpetuating an environment of fear. The erasure of state identity from public transport was described as an act of intimidation and likened to state-sponsored suppression.
Highlighting its demands, the PPAM called for an official reprimand of the Maha Regiment’s actions and a public statement from the state’s leadership reaffirming civil supremacy over military units operating in Manipur. The organization urged the authorities to ensure the safe and unhindered movement of MST buses bearing official markings along the Imphal–Ukhrul route on May 21. It also called for security escorts to be arranged, comprising state police or centrally deployed forces as necessary, to guarantee safe passage.
To assure the safety of journalists and other travelers, the PPAM appealed for coordinated efforts between DIPR, the state police, and media organizations. It asked that written guarantees be issued to confirm the security of all individuals traveling to the Shirui Lily Festival venues.
The memorandum also recommended that an urgent meeting be convened involving the Governor’s Office, Security Advisor, Chief Secretary, and the commanding officer of the Maha Regiment. Such a discussion, it stated, should focus on clarifying the chain of command and reinforcing civilian oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In its concluding remarks, the PPAM emphasized that the people of Manipur were looking to the leadership of the state for the protection of constitutional order, civil liberties, and communal harmony. The memorandum cautioned that unchecked military excesses would further damage public trust and could incite retaliatory sentiments among the populace.
Calling for swift and decisive action, the PPAM underlined the need for a clear message that the identity and sovereignty of Manipur could not and would not be compromised.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Governor’s Office or other authorities addressed in the memorandum.