MP Bimol questions delay in accountability over Gwaltabi incident, slams State government response

Inner Manipur MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has sharply criticised the state government’s handling of the May 20 Gwaltabi incident, in which security forces allegedly forced a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to conceal the word “Manipur” from its signage. Calling the event “disturbing and avoidable,” the newly elected Lok Sabha member questioned the delay in fixing accountability and denounced the recent press briefing held by state officials.
Taking to social media platform X, Dr. Bimol questioned why it was taking so long to identify responsibility for the incident when no directive had reportedly come from higher authorities in the state or at the Centre. “Before the appointed inquiry committee has submitted its findings, if the authority is already in the know of the fact that there’s no ‘instruction’ from higher-ups… calling up the unit and battalion commanders on the ground is all that it takes to fix accountability,” he wrote. “Do we really need weeks to do that?”
The May 20 incident, which took place near Gwaltabi in Imphal East, has drawn widespread condemnation from the public and media fraternity. Civil society organisations and student bodies have staged protests demanding a transparent inquiry and clear accountability from those involved.
Dr. Bimol also took aim at the state government’s communication strategy, questioning the decision to hold a press conference simply to read out a statement that had already been released earlier. “What’s the purpose of holding the press conference just to read out the same statement?” he asked. “Was this statement clarified or vetted by ‘the state government’ or the so-called ‘responsible political leadership’ before being read by the Chief Secretary?”
The absence of an official explanation or any disciplinary action so far has fuelled growing frustration. Critics have described the state’s response as slow and non-transparent, particularly when the incident has implications for press freedom and public confidence in the administration.
Known for his firm stance on democratic values and human rights, Dr. Bimol urged the government to act swiftly and responsibly. “A prompt and responsible response would have certainly avoided the chaos and suffering of the last few days,” he noted.
As public pressure intensifies, many are calling for the government to show greater transparency, expedite the inquiry process, and demonstrate stronger leadership in addressing the fallout of the Gwaltabi incident.