Government’s Silence on Yaithibi Khunou Exposé is a Betrayal of Public Trust

When the press fulfills its democratic duty by exposing corruption, the ball lies squarely in the government’s court. Imphal Times has done exactly that—publishing not once, but four investigative reports detailing alarming financial irregularities in the Yaithibi Khunou Mega Food Park project. From inflated construction costs to irregular construction work, the revelations point toward possible large-scale misappropriation of public funds.
Yet months have passed, and the government remains unmoved. Neither the competent authorities nor the anti-corruption cell has taken visible steps to verify the claims or order an independent inquiry. How many more exposés will it take for the government to wake up? Such inaction does not merely embolden the corrupt—it directly undermines the morale of journalists and citizens who dare to speak truth to power.
The food park, envisioned under the central flagship PMKSY scheme, was meant to empower farmers, create jobs, and strengthen Manipur’s agro-based economy. Instead, it risks becoming a monument to bureaucratic negligence and political complicity. If the government cannot muster the will to investigate a project of this magnitude, how can the public trust it to safeguard smaller, everyday welfare schemes?
The issue here is no longer just about inflated bills or irregular construction. It is about accountability. By ignoring documented exposés in credible publications, the government signals that corruption can flourish without consequence. Worse, it sends a chilling message to journalists: your courage, your effort, and your risk will be met with silence.
This is dangerous. Democracy survives on transparency, and transparency survives on fearless journalism. If those who expose corruption are discouraged, the rot will deepen unchecked.
Let us be clear: this is not mere “delay.” This is willful silence. Silence that protects the corrupt. Silence that betrays the farmers, taxpayers, and citizens of Manipur. Silence that mocks the very idea of accountability.
And yes—this silence is not only dangerous, it is cowardly. If those who loot public money continue to walk free despite being exposed, why should any official fear the law? If journalists’ courage is rewarded with government indifference, why should the next reporter risk life and limb to uncover the truth?
People had hoped that under President’s Rule, the government of Manipur would act against the corrupt officials whom the previous elected government failed to hold accountable. But that hope is now fading fast, as citizens begin to feel that governance under the Governor is no different when it comes to dealing with corruption. If even an appointed administration cannot rise above vested interests, where should the people turn for justice?
Anything less is a betrayal. A government that cannot act against exposed corruption is a government that has chosen the side of the corrupt. And Manipur cannot afford such a government, whether it is a publicly chosen government or a President’s Rule government.
The Governor and the Chief Secretary, as the administrative head, carry the moral responsibility to act. They must demonstrate political will and prove that governance can rise above vested interests. Otherwise, history will remember them not as defenders of the public trust but as silent protectors of the corrupt.