Imphal: Senior journalists in Manipur staged a sit-in protest in Imphal on Monday, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the state government’s continued silence on the Gwaltabi incident, where security personnel allegedly removed the word “Manipur” from a government bus transporting journalists.
The protest, held at Keisampat Leimajam Leikai, was jointly organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM).
Journalists held placards and raised slogans demanding accountability and timely government action.
The incident occurred in May at Gwaltabi in Imphal East district while journalists were en route to cover the state-sponsored ‘Shirui Lily’ festival.
It sparked widespread outrage in the media fraternity and led to the formation of a two-member inquiry committee by the state government to examine the matter.
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EGM president Khogendro Khomdram expressed frustration over the delay in action, stating, “The committee formed to investigate the May 20 incident has already submitted its report to the governor. However, even after 40 days, there has been no visible progress. We demand the state government act on the findings immediately.”
Despite public criticism and repeated appeals, journalists said the lack of transparency and follow-up has raised concerns about press freedom and respect for institutional identity in the state.
