Congress questions Union and State authorities over restricted movement in Manipur

All India Congress Committee (AICC) Member and Senior Spokesperson of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, voiced serious concern over the prolonged restrictions on free movement in Manipur during a press conference held at Congress Bhavan, Imphal, on Monday.
Addressing the media, Bupenda Meitei stated that the Congress party was deeply disturbed by the continued inability of both the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state administration—currently under President’s Rule—to ensure the fundamental right to free movement for all citizens across the state since May 3, 2023.
Referring to reports of a Manipur State Transport Corporation bus carrying media personnel to the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul being stopped by security forces, he said it was shocking to learn that the name “Manipur” on the bus had to be covered and that journalists were allegedly told not to use the word. He asserted that every citizen has the constitutional right under Article 19 to move freely throughout the country, including within Manipur.
He questioned how a government could expect ordinary citizens to feel safe when even a state transport vehicle cannot move freely within its own jurisdiction.
The Congress spokesperson criticised what he termed the “failure of the double engine government” and added that the ongoing President’s Rule had also failed to restore basic rights and security for the people in over two years.
He further demanded that the Union Government and the Governor of Manipur take immediate steps to uphold constitutional values and ensure the restoration of effective and unrestricted movement across the state.
He concluded by reiterating the party’s call for the right of all individuals in Manipur to move freely without fear or restriction.