State media, including both print and electronic platforms, have resolved to suspend publication on Tuesday, May 21, in protest against alleged harassment of journalists by personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment (Indian Army) at Gwaltabi, Imphal East.
The decision was jointly announced by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) following an emergency meeting held in Imphal earlier today.
According to the statement issued, the media fraternity also submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur under inclement weather conditions. The memorandum demanded accountability and appropriate punitive actions against those responsible for organizing the Shirui Lily Festival without ensuring the safety and dignity of the media. The demands include:
• Penal action against officials and personnel involved in the alleged harassment.
• Disciplinary measures against those in charge of the area where the incident occurred.
• A directive to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to consult relevant stakeholders more effectively to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
As part of the protest, the AMWJU and EGM announced a one-day Pen-Down Strike, with the possibility of an extension if the issue remains unresolved. They have also decided to boycott all news and information related to the Manipur State Government and Central and State security forces operating in the state, until a satisfactory explanation and resolution are provided.
The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint, about 25 km from Imphal, when a media team was en route to cover the inaugural function of the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The team, comprising around 20 journalists and staff from the DIPR, was traveling in a bus arranged by the DIPR, marked with the signage “Manipur State Transport.”
While the vehicle reportedly passed through at least three checkpoints after routine checks, personnel at the Gwaltabi checkpoint allegedly asked the team to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” label. This directive reportedly caused confusion and concern among the journalists, who questioned why a government-registered vehicle needed to hide its identity within the state itself.
Although the team initially attempted to comply with the instructions to avoid delay, prolonged discussions with the army personnel resulted in significant loss of time. Consequently, the media team decided to return to Imphal, abandoning their assignment.
The media fraternity is now demanding a clear explanation and assurance of non-recurrence before resuming regular duties.