The Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the leading body representing journalists across India, strongly condemns the unacceptable actions of security personnel, reportedly from the 4th Maha Regiment, who obstructed a team of journalists traveling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul, Manipur, on May 20, 2025. The journalists, traveling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), were halted at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district and instructed to conceal the words “Manipur State Transport” displayed on the vehicle. This unprecedented directive, which undermines the state’s identity and obstructs press freedom, prompted the journalists to abandon their assignment and return to Imphal in protest. The IJU views this incident as a direct assault on the freedom of the press and an attempt to suppress the media’s role in informing the public. The action not only violates the democratic principles of a free and fearless fourth estate but also raises serious concerns about the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without interference.
The IJU stands in solidarity with the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA), and other organizations, including Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who have condemned this act of overreach by the security forces.
IJU President and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, stated, “This incident is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and undermine the democratic fabric of our nation. Forcing journalists to hide the name of their own state while performing their duties is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent that questions the sovereignty of Manipur within India. We demand an immediate investigation into this matter and strict action against those responsible.”
IJU Secretary General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Sabina Inderjit, added, “The harassment of journalists in Manipur is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation that threatens the safety and independence of media professionals. The security forces must respect the role of journalists in a democracy and ensure their unhindered access to report on events of public interest. We urge the Manipur government and central authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
The IJU welcomes the Manipur government’s decision to constitute an Inquiry Committee to investigate the incident, as announced on May 21, 2025. We call for a transparent and time bound investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to recommend measures to prevent such violations in the future. The IJU also demands that the authorities ensure the safety and security of journalists operating in Manipur and across the country, particularly in conflict-sensitive regions.
The Indian Journalists Union reaffirms its commitment to fostering a free, frank, and fearless press and will continue to advocate for the rights of journalists and the citizens’ right to information.
“ We call upon all stakeholders, including the state and central governments, to uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or obstruction”, the IJU statement said.