Inquiry Committee to probe Gwaltabi incident involving media bus

The Governor of Manipur has constituted a two-member Inquiry Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the detention of a Manipur State Road Transport (MSRTC) bus carrying media personnel near the Gwaltabi checkpost on May 20, 2025. The bus was en route to Ukhrul to cover the inaugural function of the Shirui Lily Festival, 2025.
A statement issued by the Chief Secretary on behalf of the Governor confirmed the formation of the committee. The inquiry panel will comprise N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur, and Th. Kirankumar Singh, Secretary (IT), Government of Manipur.
According to the statement, the committee has been tasked with examining the facts and circumstances of the incident involving security personnel and the MSRTC bus, identifying any lapses, and recommending preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future. The panel has been directed to submit its findings within 15 days.
The move comes in the wake of strong protests by media bodies following the controversial order by security forces to conceal the “Manipur” label on the bus, which led to a widespread pen-down strike by journalists and condemnation from civil society organizations.