IDS Core Committee raises concerns over Gwaltabi incident involving media team

The Core Committee of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Manipur, held two sittings under the chairmanship of Prof. N. Mohendro Singh to deliberate on the implications of the recent Gwaltabi incident involving the erasure of the word “Manipur” from a Manipur State Transport bus. The bus was carrying 20 media personnel en route to cover the opening of the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul on May 20, which was attended by the Governor of Manipur.
The Committee reportedly examined the constitutional and emotional dimensions of the incident. It questioned the justification behind halting a government-arranged vehicle and forcing accredited journalists to disembark at a military check post. The members noted that while President’s Rule is in place, it should not be confused with military rule, and must adhere to constitutional values.
The incident, they observed, not only disrespected the media – regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy – but also showed a potential overreach by security forces, raising concerns about the boundaries of their authority. The psychological impact of public humiliation and the broader consequences for emotional integration at the national level were also highlighted.
The IDS committee remarked that the act by the personnel of the Mahar Regiment indicated a “deficit of understanding” about the role of regional identity in national unity. The members felt that the event disrupted the peaceful aspirations of the people and created further distrust during an already fragile period.
The committee expressed hope that the wisdom and leadership of the Governor, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, would help steer the administration towards transparency, accountability, and improved relations between the people and the state under President’s Rule.