The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) have resolved to continue their boycott of Manipur state government-related news and information, including coverage of State and Central security forces, until the Inquiry Committee probing the Gwalatabi incident submits its report and action is taken against responsible officials.
The decision was reaffirmed during a joint meeting held on June 5, following the failure of the government-appointed Inquiry Committee to submit its report within the stipulated 15-day period as per the government order dated May 21. Despite the delay, the committee has summoned media persons who were on board the MST bus detained by security forces during the Shiroy Lily Festival on May 20. The journalists have been asked to appear at the Manipur Secretariat on June 7 to give their statements.
While the boycott will remain in place, AMWJU and EGM clarified that emergency-related news, particularly concerning flood relief and public safety, will continue to be covered in public interest.
The two bodies also appealed to the government to expedite the inquiry process, emphasizing that the boycott is not in the public’s interest and will be lifted once justice is served.