A team of journalists traveling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to cover the inaugural function of the Shirui Lily Festival at Ukhrul was halted and detained by troops of the 4th Maha Regiment at a checkpoint in Gwaltabi on Monday morning. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the media fraternity in the state, raising serious questions about press freedom and the security situation in Manipur.
According to reports, the journalists were on their way to attend the inaugural ceremony of the annual Shirui Lily Festival, which is being inaugurated by the Governor of Manipur, AK Bhalla, at Shiroy village in Ukhrul district. The team, comprising members of various local media houses, was traveling in an MST bus bearing official markings of the state transport department.
Eyewitnesses said that upon reaching the Gwaltabi checkpoint, the 4th Maha Regiment troops stopped the bus and objected to the display of the “Manipur State Transport” signage on the vehicle. The troops allegedly told the driver that the bus would not be allowed to proceed unless the MST label was removed or hidden. The demand triggered strong objections from the journalists, who questioned the legality and reasoning behind such an order.
Despite presenting valid travel documents and disclosing their identity as accredited members of the media, the journalists were reportedly told that the directive came from “higher authorities.” A heated argument ensued between the journalists and the security personnel. Under pressure and in the interest of safety, the MST markings on the bus were eventually erased to allow the team to continue.
However, dismayed and angered by what they termed as the “illegal detention” and “humiliation” at the hands of the security forces, the media team decided to return to Imphal in protest. The incident has since prompted sharp reactions from the media community in the state.
The Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) convened an emergency joint meeting following the return of the journalists. In a resolution passed during the meeting, the two bodies condemned the actions of the security forces and resolved to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, seeking immediate redressal and appropriate action against those responsible for the incident.
“The treatment meted out to journalists performing their professional duties is unacceptable. It is a direct attack on press freedom and the sanctity of government property. If a bus belonging to a state department cannot move freely within its own territory, what does it say about the rule of law?” a statement from the joint meeting read.
The EGM and AMWJU also warned that if the state government fails to respond effectively and initiate necessary actions, the media community may be compelled to take up democratic forms of protest, including black badge demonstrations, sit-ins, and even boycotting official functions.
Meanwhile, the incident comes against the backdrop of a deeply sensitive security environment in the state, particularly along the highways and inter-district roads. Several incidents of threats, blockades, and intimidation have been reported in recent months, particularly along routes passing through the hill areas.
In a related concern, multiple reports have emerged of threats being issued by armed Kuki militants and village volunteers, warning Meitei civilians and government functionaries against traveling through Kuki-dominated territories. These threats have instilled a sense of fear and uncertainty, particularly among those who have to pass through such areas for work, health, or official assignments.
On condition of anonymity, a senior journalist who was on the bus said, “We have heard about threats to Meiteis not to enter certain areas. But this is an MST bus—a government vehicle—carrying state-recognized media personnel to a government function. If we are not allowed, who is safe in this state?”
Civil society groups, too, have started voicing concerns. “This is not just about a bus or a group of journalists. This is about the constitutional integrity of the state and the operational legitimacy of state institutions,” said a representative of a civic forum.
Questions are also being raised about the nature of the orders received by the troops of the 4th Maha Regiment. While the military remains tight-lipped, sources claim that security forces have been issued vague advisories to “screen” vehicles carrying sensitive identifiers, such as “Manipur” or Meitei-linked entities, in Kuki Zo areas.
The Shirui Lily Festival, known for promoting the iconic Shirui Lily flower and the cultural heritage of the Tangkhul Naga community, was supposed to serve as a platform for unity and peace in these difficult times. Ironically, the incident has only served to deepen the existing divide and spotlight the deteriorating situation in Manipur.
As of now, the state government has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, with rising public pressure and potential media agitations on the horizon, a response is expected soon.