Gwaltabi incident: Journalists questioned, inquiry misses 15-day deadline

Sixteen days after the controversial Gwaltabi checkpoint incident, where security forces allegedly instructed journalists to conceal the word “Manipur” on a state-run transport bus, the government’s inquiry remains incomplete, prompting concerns over transparency and accountability.
The incident occurred on May 20 when around 22 journalists were traveling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. At the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, security personnel reportedly stopped the vehicle and asked the media team to mask or cover the word “Manipur” painted on the front of the bus. Disturbed by the incident, the journalists decided to abandon their official assignment and returned to Imphal the same day.
The move triggered widespread outrage across Manipur. The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) condemned the act as a direct insult to Manipur’s identity and declared a pen-down strike on May 21. They also imposed a blanket boycott on news related to the state government and security forces. In response, the state government constituted a two-member inquiry committee on May 21 comprising Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th. Kirankumar Singh, directing them to submit a report within 15 days.
However, as of June 7, no official findings have been released. This delay has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Despite the return to routine media coverage, journalists have continued their boycott of news related to the state government and security forces, asserting that the stand will remain until the inquiry report is made public and appropriate action is taken. AMWJU and EGM have also demanded that the personnel involved be immediately withdrawn from their present posting to prevent further such incidents.
Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, addressing the controversy, clarified that no directive had been issued from the government to conceal the name of the state. He assured that the incident would be dealt with firmly and that strict measures would be taken to prevent its recurrence, reinforcing the government’s stance on protecting the state’s identity and press freedom.
As the inquiry drags on beyond its stipulated timeframe, the incident has become emblematic of broader issues involving civil-military relations, press freedom, and state accountability in Manipur. The delay not only undermines confidence in institutional response but also deepens the mistrust among journalists and civil society groups seeking justice and transparency.