The joint protest launched by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) has entered its second week, as their demand for justice in connection with the Gwaltabi incident remains unaddressed.
The protest began after a group of journalists travelling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul were stopped multiple times at Gwaltabi, Imphal East, despite travelling in an official MST bus arranged by the DIPR. Security personnel, including troops of the Mahar Regiment, reportedly instructed the team to cover the word “Manipur” on the bus before they could proceed — an act seen as a violation of press freedom.
The journalists had been officially invited by the state government to cover the event. However, the obstruction prevented them from carrying out their professional duties.
Following the incident, AMWJU and EGM submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur demanding an impartial inquiry and action against those responsible. With no satisfactory response or action from the government so far, the two organisations continue their protest through the wearing of black badges and the release of weekly protest slogans.